DSC vhf endorsement..... Canadian boaters-gctid394202

[Nikko]

Larry - you obviously have an axe to grind with CPS - no idea why, but when I put so much time and effort into the cause, it's hard not to take your words personally, even if we are on different sides of a country. Every single squadron is run by volunteers and as a non-profit. You seem to think they're there to rip you off, or that you're entitled to a free education, or it's all a scam to get your money. You're wrong on all accounts, but hey, that's your opinion and you're certainly entitled to it.

You've been around these parts a lot longer than me, and I respect that. But I have no respect for the attitude you're bringing to this.

At this point, I'm going to pull anchor and mosy over to another cove and away from this conversation.

Nikko out

Nikko wrote:
Most CPS Squadrons will let you write the DCS portion only and the test is written to support the partition. Nothing stopping you from reading up on your own - but I did the course as a refresher (got my original ROC(M) in the late 80's) and was glad for it.

your mileage may vary...

You mean...let you write it on your own........... for about $40 (at least around here).

I have no problem with giving courses...and I think it is great that people will take a course about stuff they are not sure of.......but I do draw the line at inferring that something is required by law when it is not and that was happening in my area.

Maybe just mis-understandings....maybe not. PS is one social club I just don't trust (personal thing)!

[Nikko]

Most CPS Squadrons will let you write the DCS portion only and the test is written to support the partition. Nothing stopping you from reading up on your own - but I did the course as a refresher (got my original ROC(M) in the late 80's) and was glad for it.

your mileage may vary...

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.