Canadian Yachting October 2023 - 41

operator accepts the call, their radio will transmit a digital
acknowledgement on channel 70 and both radios
will switch to the working channel where you can carry
on your conversation using normal voice procedures.
For convenience, radios have a contact list or directory
where you can enter a vessel's MMSI and a friendly
name. As the DSC system doesn't use vessel names, the
name you enter may be anything you want to use to
identify that vessel. To contact a vessel in your contact
list, you just select the name from the list rather than
manually entering the MMSI number.
Tests And Other Calls
It is not permitted to test the distress alert itself but you
can test the DSC system by making a routine DSC call
to another station. If you have two radios aboard, you
can make a test call to your own MMSI and the other
radio should respond.
In 2015, the ITU introduced a Test Call function. If you
use this function to call another station, that station
should automatically respond with a digital acknowledgement,
without bothering the other operator, indicating
that your radio can send and receive DSC messages,
and that your transmitter, antenna and cables
are in good condition. Canadian Coast Guard stations
will respond to test calls but vessel radios made before
2015 will not. ■
CPS-ECP MEMBERSHIP:
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
- by Elaine Mundle, National Membership Committee Chair
Over the past few years, Canada has seen a dramatic decline
in volunteers, with 65 per cent of volunteer-supported
organizations struggling. Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons/Escadrilles
canadiennes de plaisance (CPS-ECP) is no
exception.
Membership is vital to CPS-ECP for the delivery of safe boating
education by course instructors, for sharing of boating
knowledge with new boaters, and for the continued sustainability
of an organization dependent upon volunteers
to do the heavy lifting.
CPS-ECP members learn about safe boating, have a great
time together and enjoy the water, whether on the ocean,
on the Great Lakes or on inland rivers. Membership offers
so much more, including a package of great member benefits
such as a Canadian Yachting magazine subscription;
discounts on continuing boating education courses; boat,
house or car insurance discounts; equipment rebates and/
or discounts; a marine navigation app; vacation discounts;
and boat rental and emergency towing discounts. Other
member benefits include a variety of social events and/or
speaker series admission.
National and regional member benefits are updated regularly.
Click on Member Benefits tab under the Membership
tab found at www.cps-ecp.ca for up to date information.
To become a member, you must successfully complete a
Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) course or a VHF Radio
Course; the Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime)
[ROC(M)] offered by CPS-ECP and other accredited examiners;
and be over the age of 19.
The CPS-ECP PCOC is recognized by the National Association
of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), which
represents all 50 U.S. states and territories.
You may also become a member upon proof of successful
completion of a similar course offered by another boating
organization. All pleasure craft operators require a PCOC
when operating a recreational vessel with a motor in Canada.
The CPS-ECP profile, created by Individuals under the
age of 19 who have registered for a CPS-ECP course and
successfully completed it, will be archived until such time as
the individual decides they wish to become a full or family
member of CPS-ECP.
There are no restrictions on when you can join CPS-ECP
provided you have successfully completed the minimum required
course [PCOC or ROC(M)] or any equivalent boating
course, and have reached the age of 19.
The annual membership fees is $60 with a 50 percent discount
for subsequent family members (over age 19) living
at the same address. New first time graduates of a CPS-ECP
course will receive a 25 percent discount on their first year
of membership if they apply for membership within 60 days
of their course marks being submitted by their Squadron
Educational Officer. When more than one family member
takes a course, additional family members receive a special
family course discount as well as the first year membership
discount already referenced.
The benefits of CPS-ECP membership are many but a few are:
* Flying the CPS-ECP flag
* Making lifelong friendships
* Continuing learning of best practices to operate your boat
and keep your family safe at a member discounted rate
* Opportunity to learn new skill sets while volunteering at
the local, regional and national levels
* Being part of an organization that boasts of 8,500 members
across Canada. ■
CANADIANYACHTING.CA
41
http://www.cps-ecp.ca http://www.CANADIANYACHTING.CA
Canadian Yachting October 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting October 2023
