RADIO AIDS TO MARINE NAVIGATION - Canadian Coast Guard

CELLULAR TELEPHONE (*16) SERVICE – MARINE EMERGENCIES
MCTS Centres in certain parts of Canada are connected to the cellular telephone network system where cellular telephone
users can, in an emergency situation only, dial *16 or #16 (dependant upon the service provider) on their telephone to
access an MCTS Centre in order to obtain assistance.
Mariners are cautioned that a cellular telephone is not a good substitute for a marine radio because the maritime mobile
radio safety system in the southern waters of Canada is based principally on VHF communications. VHF has the
advantage that a call can be heard by the closest MCTS Centre(s) and by ships in the vicinity which could provide
immediate assistance. On the other hand, the telephone cellular network is a party-to-party system and the benefit of the
broadcast mode in an emergency situation cannot be obtained.
Mariners are reminded that the use of marine radio distress frequencies to obtain assistance in an emergency situation is the
best option and that cellular telephone should be used only as an alternative should the VHF radiotelephone set not be
available. Standard distress alerting equipment, such as marine radio and EPIRBs should never be replaced by cellular
telephone alone.
Note: Details of this service may be obtained by contacting local cellular telephone companies; however, mariners are
cautioned that not all cellular telephone companies provide this service.
DIRECTION FINDING (DF) SERVICE
MCTS Centres in certain parts of Canada are provided with VHF/DF equipment, primarily to determine or confirm the
bearing, from a DF facility, of a vessel requiring assistance in a distress or other emergency situation. In addition, an
estimated line of position from a DF facility can be provided to vessels that are uncertain of their locations. Location of
VHF/DF facilities will be found in the appropriate Centre listings in Part 2 of this publication. The intent of this service is
not to provide a navigation service. Positions must be regarded as estimates only. Mariners are cautioned that any
information provided shall be used at their own discretion.
Direction Finding Bearings
Any MCTS Centre will, on request, transmit signals that will enable a ship to take a radio bearing with its own direction
finder. It is pointed out to masters of ships fitted with direction finding equipment employing DF loops that serious error
may result in bearings taken if metallic material or equipment (poles, wires, winches, etc.) are erected in proximity to the
DF antenna equipment after calibration.
Masters of ships are urged to exercise caution in the use of commercial radio broadcasting stations as radio beacons.
Bearings taken on such stations may be very inaccurate owing to errors caused by coastal refraction and the calibration of
the Direction Finder employed may vary considerably due to the wide difference in frequencies used, (i.e. the standard
broadcast band spreads over approximately 1060 kHz). In addition, it is advisable to make certain that the position of the
broadcast transmitter (not the studio) is accurately known before using it as a navigation aid.
SAIL PLAN SERVICE
All small craft operators, including those making day trips, are encouraged to file a Sail Plan with a responsible person.
This person should be instructed to call the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) if the vessel becomes overdue. (The
telephone number can be found at the front of most telephone books, and should be included with the Sail Plan). In
circumstances where it is not possible to file a Sail Plan with a responsible person, a Sail Plan may be filed by telephone,
radio or in person with any Coast Guard MCTS Centre. While at sea, masters/operators who have filed a sail plan with an
MCTS Centre are encouraged to file a daily position report during long trips. Upon your return, be sure to close (or
deactivate) the sail plan you filed earlier. Forgetting to do so can result in an unwarranted search for you.
4-36