Around our area there has been a lot of discussion and mis-information regarding VHF radio operator licensing and DSC radios so I did some research to clarify the facts from the rumors.
I suspect power squadron has had a hand in the confusion by offering a course for a "DSC endorsement upgrade" (something that in reality takes about 20 minutes of reading).
A little background.Canada change the way it issued Restricted Marine Radio Operators licenses in the 2000's and in a minute of insanity gave CPS all rights to issue the licenses as well as keep the data base.
There are two versions of a marine radio operators license, ROC (M) which is non commercial (pleasure boat) and the ROC (MC) which is for commercial. In the legislation regarding the ROC (M) there is no mention of "DSC endorsement" this seems to be a PS term.
There is a requirement for commercial ROC (MC) to take a DSC section.
If you need to get a non-commercial Marine radio license and have never had one, you will take the exam or course and it will cover DSC.
In regard to the older life time "radio telephone operator's restricted licence marine" (old vhf license) current legislation is unchanged and a DSC endorsement is not required, it is not even mentioned in the regulations which are quite old. Your current certificates are good for life and good for DSC usage.
I suspect power squadron has had a hand in the confusion by offering a course for a "DSC endorsement upgrade" (something that in reality takes about 20 minutes of reading).
A little background.Canada change the way it issued Restricted Marine Radio Operators licenses in the 2000's and in a minute of insanity gave CPS all rights to issue the licenses as well as keep the data base.
There are two versions of a marine radio operators license, ROC (M) which is non commercial (pleasure boat) and the ROC (MC) which is for commercial. In the legislation regarding the ROC (M) there is no mention of "DSC endorsement" this seems to be a PS term.
There is a requirement for commercial ROC (MC) to take a DSC section.
If you need to get a non-commercial Marine radio license and have never had one, you will take the exam or course and it will cover DSC.
In regard to the older life time "radio telephone operator's restricted licence marine" (old vhf license) current legislation is unchanged and a DSC endorsement is not required, it is not even mentioned in the regulations which are quite old. Your current certificates are good for life and good for DSC usage.
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