Summary of Regulations
The following references were used in preparing the information for
this document:
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio
Regulations.
- Radiocommunication Act (RA). (Canada)
- Radiocommunication Regulations. (RR). (Canada)
- Radio Information Circular 1 (RIC-1). Guide for Examiners Accredited
to Conduct Examinations for the Amateur Radio Operator
Certificate.
- Radio Information Circular 2 (RIC-2). Standards for the Operation of
Radio Stations in the Amateur Radio Service.
- Radio Information Circular 3 (RIC-3). Reciprocal Operating and Third
Party Traffic Agreements and Arrangements in the Amateur Radio
Service.
- Radio Information Circular 7 (RIC-7). Basic Qualification Question
Bank for Amateur Radio Operator Certificate Examinations.
- Radio Information Circular 9 (RIC-9). Call Sign Policy and Special
Event Prefixes.
- Radio Information Circular 24 (RIC-24). Information on the Amateur
Operator's Certificate Examinations
- CEPT Amateur Radio Licence (T/R 61-01 E).
Summary of the IC Regulations
- The authority to make Radiocommunication Regulations is derived
from the Radiocommunication Act.
- Authority to make Standards for the Operation of Radio Stations in
the Amateur Service is also derived from the Radiocommunication
Act
- The Department that is responsible for the administration of the
Radiocommunication Act is Industry Canada.
- The amateur radio service is defined in the Radiocommunication
Regulations.
- In addition to complying with the Radiocommunication Act, the Radiocommunication
Regulations, Canadian radio amateurs must also comply with the regulations of the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- ITU Radio Regulations requires the administration of the various membership countries to
take such measures as they judge necessary to verify the operational and technical
qualification of amateurs.
- The ITU Radio Regulations limit those radio amateurs, who have not demonstrated
proficiency in Morse code to frequencies above 30 MHz.
- Canada along with the rest of North and South America is in ITU Region 2.
- Australia, Japan and Southeast Asia are in ITU Region 3.
- Europe, Africa and the former Soviet Union are in ITU Region 1.
- If a Canadian amateur operates his/her station in another country, he/she must comply with
that country's rules and regulations. Sort of when in Rome do what
the Romans do.
- There are three different qualifications that you can obtain in amateur radio. They are:
- Basic Qualification.
- 5 word per minute (5 w.p.m.) Morse Code Qualification.
- Advanced Qualification.
- The Basic Qualification is the only one that will allow you to be issued
your Amateur Radio Operator Certificate, even if you have all the other
qualifications, you must obtain the Basic Qualification in order to qualify for
the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate.
- You may take the qualifications in any order. You will not attain operating
privileges however, until you obtain your Basic Qualification.
- The now defunct Amateur Digital Radio Operator’s Certificate equates to
having the Basic and Advanced Qualifications.
- When issued your Amateur Radio Operator Certificate, it is valid for
life.
- Once you have obtained your Amateur Radio Operator Certificate, you are
authorized to operate a radio station in the amateur service according to the
restrictions of that certificate.
- In addition to passing the Basic written examination, you must pass
Morse code at the 5 w.p.m. level before you can operate your station
below 30 MHz.
- Radio apparatus may be installed, placed in operation, repaired or
maintained by the holder of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic,
Basic plus 5 w.p.m. or Advanced Qualification on behalf of another person if the
other person is the holder of a radio authorization to operate in the amateur
radio service. You may not install, put in operation, modify, repair,
maintain or permit the operation of a radio apparatus for a person who does not
have a radio authorization to operate in the amateur service.
- It doesn't matter how little the power output of a transmitter is,
it must be licensed at all locations.
- An amateur station may only communicate with similarly licensed stations.
- The holder of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with the Advanced
Qualification may build transmitting equipment for use in the amateur radio
service.
- There are no age restrictions for applying for an Amateur Radio Operator
Certificate.
- The Amateur Radio Operator Certificate must be retained at your
station.
- When you change your postal address you must inform Industry Canada with in
30 days of your new postal address.
- The holder of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate may install or operate
radio apparatus at any location in Canada.
- Amateur radio operators must use only the minimum legal transmitter
power necessary to communicate.
- An amateur with Basic, or the Basic plus 5 w.p.m. Qualification is
restricted to a maximum of 250 watts DC input power to the anode or collector
circuit of the final RF stage of the transmitter (560 watts PEP output for SSB
signals) on all bands.
- An amateur with an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate plus the Advanced
qualifications is restricted to a maximum 1000 watts DC (2250 watts PEP when
using SSB) power input to the anode or collector circuit of the final RF stage
of the transmitter on those bands that his/her qualifications allow.
- Power measurements are made at the antenna terminals of the transmitter or
amplifier.
- When operating on all frequencies below 148MHz the frequency stability of
the transmitter must be comparable to crystal control.
- A reliable means to prevent or indicate overmodulation must be employed at
an amateur station if radiotelephony is used. The maximum percentage of
modulation that is allowed using radiotelephony is 100 percent.
- All amateur stations, regardless of the mode of transmission used, must be
equipped with a reliable means of determining the operating radio
frequency.
- An amateur radio station that automatically re-transmits the signals of
other amateur radio stations is known as a repeater.
- Radiotelephone signals in a band below 29.5 MHz cannot be automatically
retransmitted, unless these signals are received from a station operated by a person
qualified to transmit on frequencies below the above mentioned frequency.
- Radiotelephone signals may be retransmitted in the 29.5-29.7 MHz band and in
all the VHF/UHF bands when received from a station operating in a VHF/UHF band
from a person with only the Basic qualification. Retransmission of a signal
received from holder of a Basic only qualification operating in the VHF/UHF
bands is not allowed below 29.5 MHz.
- An unmodulated carrier may only be transmitted for brief periods below 30
MHz. This is usually for station adjustment purposes.
- In order to install any radio apparatus, to be used specifically for
receiving and automatically retransmitting radiotelephone communications
(repeaters) within the same frequency band, a radio amateur must hold an
Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with a minimum of the Basic and
Advanced Qualification.
- In order to install any radio apparatus, to be used specifically for an
amateur radio club station, the radio amateur must hold an Amateur Radio
Operator Certificate with a minimum of the Basic and Advanced
Qualification.
- In order to install or operate a transmitter or RF amplifier that is not
commercially manufactured for use in the amateur service, a radio amateur must
hold the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with the minimum of the Basic and
Advanced Qualification.
- The holder of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate must comply with the
authority that that certificate bestows on the operator and station owned by the
operator.
- Both the station licensee and the control operator are responsible for the
proper operation of an amateur radio station and normally this is the same
person, you, however if you are using someone else’s station, then both of you
are responsible for the proper operation of the station.
- As a station owner, you are responsible for the proper operation of the
station in accordance with the regulations. A control operator may be any
qualified amateur chosen by the station owner. A station must have a control
operator whenever the station is transmitting, be it yourself or someone
qualified chosen by you, the owner. The control operator must be at the stations
control point.
- The owner of an amateur station may allow anyone to operate the station
under the supervision and in the presence of the holder of the amateur operator
certificate. This is known as third party communications and you must
continuously monitor and supervise the third parties participation.
- If you allow another amateur with additional qualification than yours
control your station he/she is only allowed the operating privileges of your
Amateur Radio Operator Certificate.
- If you are the control operator of a station of another amateur who has
additional qualifications to yours, you are allowed the operating privileges of
that additional qualification.
- A transmission that disturbs other communications is called harmful
interference. You are not allowed to disturb another station’s
communications.
- In the event of interference to a neighbor’s radio receiver, stereo, VCR, TV
set or other “radio sensitive equipment” capable of receiving RF signals, if the
field strength of the amateur station is below 1.83 volts per meter, it will be
deemed that the affected equipment’s lack of immunity is the cause, however if
the field strength of the amateur station exceeds 1.83 volts per meter, it will
be deemed that the amateur’s transmission is the cause of the problem.
- Radio-sensitive equipment is considered to be “any device, machinery or
equipment, other than radio apparatus, the use or functioning of which is, or
can be, adversely affected by radiocommunications emissions”. These may include
electronic organs, microwave ovens, furnace controllers and a host of other
non-radio type of equipment.
- Where interference to the reception of radiocommunications is caused by the
operation of an amateur station, the Minister may require that necessary steps
for the prevention of the interference be taken by the radio amateur.
- If regulations say that the amateur service is a secondary user of a
frequency band, and another service is a primary user, this means amateurs are
allowed to use the frequency band only if they do not cause interference to
primary users. Two of the bands where the amateur service is secondary users are
440.0 to 450.0 MHz and 902 to 928 MHz. There are several other bands above these
lowest two where the radio amateur has secondary user status. See Schedule 1 of RIC-2 later for the other
bands.
- If two amateur stations want to use the same frequency at the same time, it
should be remembered that both station operators have an equal right to operate
on the frequency and some arrangement should be worked out to avoid
conflict.
- Out of band operations is not allowed by any amateur radio operator.
- A radio amateur may not operate, or permit to be operated, a radio
apparatus, which he knows is not performing to the Radiocommunication
Regulations tolerances.
- A person may operate or permit the operation of a radio apparatus only where the apparatus
is maintained to the Radiocommunication Regulations tolerances. These standards are the
performance standards set by Industry Canada regulations and policies.
- No person shall possess or operate any device, for the purpose of amplifying the output
power of a licence-exempt radio apparatus.
- A person may operate an amateur radio station when the person complies with the
Standards for the Operation of Radio Stations in the Amateur Radio Service.
- While in Canada, the station licensed by the government of the United States shall identify
his station by:
- By transmitting the call sign assigned by the FCC.
- By adding to his call sign the Canadian call sign prefix for the geographic location
of the station.
- By radiotelephone, adding to the call sign the word portable” or “mobile or by radio
telegraphy adding the oblique character /.
- When communicating with a foreign country, only messages of a technical nature or
personal remarks of relative unimportance should be sent.
- Amateur radio communication should only be of a technical or personal nature. You are not
allowed to:
- Conduct business planning on amateur radio.
- Broadcast information to the general public.
- Send false or deceptive messages.
- Retransmit music or signals originating from a non-amateur station.
-
- Originate music or other broadcast type signals form an amateur
station.
- Use secret codes in order to obscure the meaning of a
message.
- Transmit superfluous signals of any nature.
- Transmit profane or obscene language or messages.
- You are not allowed to divulge any radio communications unless it is from a
broadcast station or another amateur radio station.
- No person shall send or cause to be sent a false, fraudulent or deceptive signal. Such as
MAYDAY when no such emergency exists.
- No person shall decode an encrypted subscription programming signal without
permission of the lawful distributor.
- No person shall, without lawful excuse, interfere with or obstruct any radio
communication.
- A person found guilty of transmitting a false or fraudulent distress signal, or interfering
with, or obstructing any radio communication, without lawful cause, may be liable, on
summary conviction, to a penalty of a fine, not exceeding $25,000, or a prison term, or
both.
- The holder of a radio authorization shall, at the request of a duly appointed radio inspector,
show that radio authorization, or a copy thereof, to the inspector, within 48 hours of the
request.
- A duly appointed radio inspector may request to inspect a radio station. The person in
charge of a place entered by a radio inspector shall give the inspector information that the
inspector requests. Where entry is refused, and it is necessary to perform his duties under
the Act:
- A radio inspector may obtain a warrant.
- In executing a warrant, a radio inspector shall not use force, unless accompanied
by a peace officer, and force is authorized.
- The Minister may suspend a radio authorization, upon notice and with the opportunity to
make representation thereto:
- Where the authorization was obtained through misrepresentation.
- Where the holder has contravened the Act or Regulations.
- Where the holder has contravened the terms and conditions of the radio
authorization.
- The minister may suspend or revoke a radio authorization WITHOUT NOTICE where the
holder has failed to comply with a request to pay fees or interest due.
- The following one-way communications are authorized in the amateur
service:
- Telecommands to model craft on all amateur bands above 30 MHz.
- Brief transmissions to make adjustments to the station below 30
MHz.
- Morse code practice.
- A beacon station in the amateur radio service.
- Any abbreviation may be used as long as it doesn't obscure the
meaning of the communication.
Exceptions from penalties under the Radiocommunications Act
- The following are exceptions from penalties under the Radiocommunication Act:
- Where it is for the purpose of preserving or protecting property, or for the
prevention of harm to a person.
- Where it is for the purpose of giving evidence in a criminal or civil proceeding in
which persons are required to give evidence.
- Where it is on behalf of Canada, for the purpose of international or national
defense or security.
- Amateur radio stations may communicate with any station involved in a real or simulated
emergency.
- In the amateur radio service, business communications are only permitted if they are for
the safety of life or immediate protection of property.
- If you hear an unanswered distress signal on an amateur band you should offer
assistance.
- In the amateur radio service, it is permissible to broadcast radio communications
required for the immediate safety of life of individuals or the immediate protection of
property.
- An amateur radio station in distress may use any means of
radiocommunications.
- During a disaster, an amateur station may make transmissions necessary to meet essential
communications needs and assist relief operations when normal communication
systems are overloaded, damaged or disrupted.
- During an emergency, there are no limitations to an amateur radio stations
output power.
- During a disaster, most communications are handled by nets, using predetermined
frequencies in the amateur bands. Operators not directly involved with disaster
communications are requested to avoid making unnecessary transmissions on or near
frequencies being used for disaster communications.
- Messages from recognized public service agencies may be handled by amateur radio
stations during peace time and civil emergencies and exercises.
- It is permissible to interfere with the working of another station if your station
is directly involved with a distress situation.
Charges/Fees:
- The operator of an amateur station shall not accept nor demand any remuneration in any
form, in respect of a radiocommunications that the person transmits or receives.
- There are no fees associated with the issuing of your Amateur Radio Operator Certificate or
any of you upgrades, or the issuing of a new call sign if you move to another province or
your Amateur Radio Operator Certificate is lost or destroyed.
Examinations:
- The fee for taking an examination given by an accredited examiner is to be
negotiated between the accredited examiner and the candidate.
- The fee for taking examinations at Industry Canada is $20 per
qualification.
- An accredited examiner must hold the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with
Basic, 5 w.p.m. and Advanced qualifications.
- Examinations for disabled candidates may be given orally, or tailored to the
candidate’s ability to complete the examination.
- A disabled candidate must pass a normal radio amateur certificate
examination before being granted any qualification.
Station Identification:
- An amateur radio station must use his call sign to identify his station at
the start and the end of a communications with another station and at intervals
no greater than 30 minutes during an ongoing communication.
- You must use your call sign to identify your station. There is no
requirement to use the other station’s call sign in your communications. Each
station must transmit its own call sign.
- The only exception for not using your call sign is when the transmission is
telemetry, digital or similar type of transmission to a radio control
model. These types of transmissions are only allowed on amateur bands
above 30 MHz.
- Call signs are to be sent in English or French, either one of Canada's two
official languages.
Third Party Communications:
Amateur third party communications is the transmission of
non-commercial or personal messages to or on behalf of a third party.
These are messages sent to a non-amateur via an amateur
station.
- A message originating from the Canadian Forces Affiliated Radio
Service (CFARS) or the United States Military Radio System (MARS) are
not considered to be third party messages, even though the messages
originated from a non-amateur.
- A person operating a Canadian amateur station is forbidden to communicate
with amateur stations of another country when that country has informed the
International Telecommunication Union that it objects to such
communications.
- International communications on behalf of third a party may be transmitted
by an amateur station only if the countries concerned have authorized such
communications.
- If a non-amateur friend is using your station under your control and
supervision to talk to someone in Canada, and a foreign station breaks in to
talk to your friend, you must ask your friend to wait until you find out if
Canada has a third party agreement with the foreign station's
government.
Antenna/Tower Installations:
Antenna structures have become a concern in many communities and as a
result are regulated by various authorities in communities across
Canada. Concerns can also be raised by neighbors, and their concerns
should also be considered when planning antenna or tower installations.
Gone are the days when we could do basically what we want to do.
Antennas are classified as two types as far as their physical
structures and locating are concerned and as a result, different rules
apply.
- Type 1 (site specific) antennas are the large broadcasting
structures
- Type 2 (non-site specific) are the structures that amateur radio
stations install.
Industry Canada is not normally involved with Type 2 structures but
local land-use authorities and your neighbors may be of concern to you.
You should contact both your local land-use authority and your neighbors
before any antenna installation, and if you fail to do so, you must
accept any consequences for your actions.
The following statements cover all the questions on this subject in
the Basic Question Bank.
- There is no requirement to receive prior approval from Industry Canada to
construct an antenna or its structure.
- Prior to an installation of an antenna or structure, for which community
concerns could be raised, radio amateurs should consult with their land-use
authority.
- Industry Canada expects radio amateurs to address community concerns in a
responsible manner and to consider land-use authority requests.
- If a radio amateur erects an antenna structure without consulting the
land-use authority, he/she must accept any consequences.
- For the purpose of environmental filing, amateur stations are considered to
be Type 2 (non- site specific).