SCOP Module 2
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Presentation Transcript
SCOP Module 2 Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime) ROC(M)
The ROC(M) Course • Follows strict guidelines and testing that is set out by the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. • Like the SCOP Module 1 (PCOC) course, if you are successful, you will earn a certification.
What do I have to do to earn my ROC(M) ? • To earn your ROC(M), you will have to pass both a: • written, and • practical test. • If you pass the written but don’t pass the practical test, you will only have to redo the practical test, not both.
Topics we will be covering in the course include … • Module 1 • Maritime Mobile Service, • Very High Frequency (VHF) Marine Radio Procedures, • Distress Calling Procedures, • Urgency Calling Procedures, and • Safety Calling Procedures.
Topics we will be covering in the course include … • Module 2 • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Overview, • GMDSS Equipment, and • Digital Selective Calling (DSC).
SCOP Module 2 Lesson EO 002.01 Describe the Maritime Mobile Service
In this lesson we will be looking at • Maritime Mobile Service (MMS), • ROC(M), • Radio Station Licence, • Radio Station Requirements, • Governing Authorities, • Secrecy of Communications, • International Distress, Safety and Calling Frequencies, and • Propagation and Range of Signal.
What is the Maritime Mobile Service (MMS)? • The telecommunications service used by all vessels worldwide. • It includes all Marine radiotelephone communication on VHF / Medium Frequency (MF) / High Frequency (HF) bands in Canada including: Ship to Ship & Ship to Shore Stations
Can any shore station use the MMS? • The only Shore Stations authorized to use the MMS are: • Canadian Coast Guard Radio Stations; and • Search and Rescue Land Facilities. • In some instances one working frequency may be allotted to: • Shipping Companies; or • Marina Offices.
What do I need to operate a marine radio? • A ROC (M), and • It is valid for the lifetime of the holder (it never expires). Note: Anyone operating a radio in Canadian waters from a foreign country must obey the regulations of their own country.
When do you need a ROC(M)? • When operating a VHF, MF and HF Marine Band radio on a voluntarily fitted vessel. • Voluntary fitted vessels include: • Pleasure craft; • Fishing craft less than 8 m in length; • Naval vessels; and • Tug boats operating in restricted waters.
What do they mean by “Operating a Marine Radio”? • As soon as you turn the radio on, • You are operating it, and • You need a ROC(M) to do so. • Operating any marine radio without a license can cost you a fine up to $ 5000 / 12 months in jail.
Who does not need a ROC(M)? • Compulsory Fitted Vessels (all commercial vessels) including: • Ocean going vessels; • Passenger carrying vessels; • Coastal freighters; • Icebreakers; • Tow Boats; and • Closed construction ships greater than 8 m in length.
What you need to know about a Radio Station License • All radio stations must have a radio station license: • Issued by Industry Canada-Spectrum Management (ICSM); • Equipment that meets Industry Canada approval • approved radios have a 9 digit number on the back • Is good for one year (renewed annually); and • must be posted in a visible spot near the radio.
Mobile Station • A Marine Band radio installed on a vessel becomes a mobile station.
What information is found on the radio station license? • The call sign of the station. • Frequencies to be used. • Type of radio equipment. • Special conditions under which the station shall be operated.
Are there fines for not having a radio station license? • Yes • Any person who establishes a station without a licence is liable for: • Fines up to $5,000.00 and / or • Up to 12 months imprisonment (jail) • Any corporation who establishes a radio station without a license may be liable for • Fines up to $25,000.00.
Radio Station Exemptions • In order to be exempt from requiring a radio station license a vessel must be: • Registered or licensed in Canada; • Owned or operated by the Canadian government or a provincial government; • Operating in Canadian waters; • Operating in a country that Canada has a reciprocal agreement with; • Using frequencies listed in RBR-2; and • Carrying a radio that meets Industry Canada criteria.
What is the radio station required to do? • Compulsory equipped vessels: • Keep a radio log; • Continuously watch 156.8 MHZ/Channel 16 while at sea; • Begin radio watch 15 minutes before departure and continue until back at anchor; and • Maintain radio silence periods • 3 minute periods starting on the hour and on the ½ hour.
What is the radio station required to do? • Voluntarily equipped vessels: • Encouraged to maintain a radio log but this is not mandatory; and • Not required to maintain a radio watch during radio silence periods.
What documents must radio stations carry? • Canadian ship stations that are voluntarily fitted with a Marine Band radio must carry: • Ship Station License (unless exempt); and • ROC(M) (for each user). • They should also carry: • Canadian Radio Aids to Navigation; and • Radio operating and maintenance manuals.
What 3 authorities govern/oversee radio regulations and procedures? • Industry Canada – Spectrum Management (ICSM); • The International Telecommunication Union (ITU); and • The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).
Canadian Coast Guard Radio (CGR) Stations • CGR stations are identified by their geographic names, followed by “… Coast Guard Radio”. • For example: Kingston Coast Guard Radio Prescott Coast Guard Radio
What is the role of the CGR Station? • Monitor all distress and calling frequencies (2182 KHz [MF] and 156.8 MHz [VHF] / Channel 16). • Maintain effective control over the marine frequencies. • Provide weather broadcasts, notices to Mariners, and ship movements. • Provide access to public telephones. • Coordinate emergency services.
Secrecy and Radio Communication • You will hear other people’s private conversations over the radio. • No one can prevent you from overhearing them however, you should be aware that: • Using a radio is a privilege; • Everyone is expected to respect each other’s privacy and not repeat what they hear on the radio; and • You can be fined or go to jail for repeating private conversations that you hear on the marine radio.
Are there any times when you can repeat what you hear? • Yes, in cases where the message is one of the following: • Distress, • Urgency, • Safety, and • All Stations.
What are the International Distress, Safety and Calling Frequencies? • VHF: Channel 16 • (156.8 MHz) (2182 KHz MF). • DSC VHF: Channel 70 • (156.525 MHz) (2187.5 KHz MF). • *16 on a cell phone to Coast Guard Radio.
International Distress, Safety and Calling Frequencies… • Are used for initial contact and replies to establish communication. • Then switch to a working channel for regular communication. • Avoid excessive calling on these frequencies.
What is the Propagation & Range of Signal? • Propagation – how far the radio waves spread. • VHF communication is generally limited to line of sight and is limited by land masses. • A vessel with a 25 watt transmitter and good antenna may have a range of 85 kms.
What is the Propagation & Range of Signal? • Maximum VHF transmitter output is 25 watts (maximum power authorized). • When contacting a station in close proximity power should be set to 1 watt.
Radiotelephone alarm • International radiotelephone alarm signal consists of a repetitive transmission of two audio tones that produce a warblingsound. • Signal period is a minimum of 30 seconds but does not exceed 1 min. • Purpose of signal is to precede a distress signal, call and message. (play Radiotelephone alarm)
Navigational warning signal Navigational warning signals are transmitted from a coast station for a period of 15 seconds before vital navigational warnings on MF 2182 kHz. • Consists of an interrupted tone frequency of 2.2 kHz lasting 250 milliseconds (1/4 second). • Indicates message concerning navigational warning to follow for weather, storm, or safety notices.
General Electronic Information • Power for electronic equipment on small vessels is usually supplied by lead acid storage batteries. • Regular maintenance for all electronics should be practiced to maintain good working order of equipment.
General Electronic information Cautions • Keep batteries securely restrained. • Keep away from falling objects. • Ventilation of the battery compartment is required to prevent build up of gases. • Smoking is not permitted near the battery. • Take care when checking the electrolyte as this is an extremely corrosive fluid.
Alternative Radio Services Alternative radio services, to include: • General Radio Service (GRS) aka Citizen's Band (CB); • Amateur Radio Service (HAM RADIO); • Family Radio Service (FRS); • General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS); and • cell phones.
GRS aka Citizen’s Band (CB) • Also known by its American designation, Citizen’s Band (CB). • Power, and hence effective distance, very limited. • No telephone service possible. • Coast Guard and other potential rescue agencies do not monitor GRS. • Tends to be crowded with undisciplined calling.
Amateur Radio Service (HAM RADIO) • Possible to communicate over very great distance. • A basic Amateur license allows operation on VHF. • Equipment can have large power requirements. • Operator’s certification hard to obtain. • No emergency assistance agencies monitor these frequencies.
Family Radio Service (FRS) • Intended for short range communication - typically under 1 km. • No license required. • May be used for onboard communications. • No emergency assistance agencies monitor these frequencies. • UHF service (460 MHz).
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) • Unlicensed personal radio service. • Higher power than FRS and claim range of 8 miles. • GMRS and FRS share 7 channels. • Each service has several channels not used by the other service.
End of Lesson Confirmation The radio operator of any Canadian ship station voluntarily fitted with a radiotelephone must carry on board: • A Ship Station Licence; • A Radio Operators Certificate; • The current edition of Canadian Radio Aids to Marine Navigation; and • An Instruction Manual for the radio equipment in use.
End of Lesson Confirmation When not in communication with another station, the recommended procedure is to: • Listen to the Coast Guard on Channel 22; • Make a call to ALL STATIONS advising that you are standing by on Channel 16; • Turn off your radio to conserve the batteries; and • Maintain a listening watch on Channel 16.
End of Lesson Confirmation The contents of any transmission received or intercepted by a radio station should not be divulged unless: • The call was a ship to ship call; • The call was addressed to ALL STATIONS; • The call was from a land-based station; and • The call was made on channel 68.
End of Lesson Confirmation The International Radiotelephone Alarm signal consists of: • The Morse code for SOS repeated three times; • The rising and falling of a siren sound; • Two audio tones that produce a warbling sound; and • A sound like the rapid sounding of a ships bell.
End of Lesson Confirmation To ensure the maximum life from a lead-acid storage battery: • It should be stored in a well ventilated area; • Use acid to “top up”; • Leave the top uncovered; and • Use tap water to “top up”.
End of Lesson Confirmation Vessels fitted with a VHF transmitter of 25 watts output and an efficient antenna, can be expected to operate up to a distance of: • 28 km (15 NM); • 39 km (21 NM); • 85 km (40 NM); and • This is not an authorized transmission power for a radio.
