News Items

• Reminder to all Youths:  If you were born after April 1, 1983 you must have your license to operate a powered vessel.



• *Sept 15, 2002 was the deadline for all those who own boats under 4 meters ( 13 1/2 feet) in length to obtain their Pleasure Craft Operators' Card.



• The Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam that I offer from Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons has been changed to include 14 extra questions. Successful completion of this exam entitles you to the PCOC card recognized here in Canada as well as a Power Boat license which is recognized by NASBLA in the USA.



• *VHF or ROC-M licenses with the DSC (Digital Select Calling) endorsement are issued by Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. You can obtain your license from The Captain, a local Squadron of CPS or a Recognized Examiner. Transport Canada also refers to the new VHF with DSC endorsement license as the ROC-MQ. Make sure you 1. Know how to use the new DSC radios and 2. That you are licensed to use it and 3. Have it registered with Industry Canada when you purchase your unit.



• Check the FAQS page for information on Customs rules between Canada and The U.S.



• All operators and crew of any commercial vessel in Canada must have Dept. of Transport approved certification. Check with your local office of Transport Canada to find out which certificates or courses you must have to be legal.
  
  
• If you live in remote locations Heads-Up Navigation can arrange for your courses and exams for all of these courses. If you require the manuals, we can send them to you. Call toll free 1-877-655-4656 or email me at captain@headsupnav.com



• Transport Canada has brought in a program of ticketing and fines which applies to all Fishermen or owners called the Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs). Under the new system fishermen will face fines of up to $5,000.00 ($25,000.00 for companies) as a result of tickets issued on the spot for infractions under the CSA (Canada Shipping Act) 2001. This includes failing to have or maintain safety equipment, inadequate documentation, improperly trained crew or inadequate watches, oil pollution and marine traffic violations. Go to Transport Canada's website to find out the complete set of fines listed under AMPs.



• The Captain's new book "THE COMPETENT BOATER" is available. This is a concise book of rules and regulations required to pass the "Pleasure Craft Operators Card". Email captain@headsupnav.com for more information.