USA Hams in Canada

[Off Pavement]

FYI - We're starting to plan a trip to Alaska and I got to thinking I needed to know the rules for US amateur radio ops in Canada, so I took a look at the reciprocal agreement... Yikes! If you read carefully, you must have a license that certifies 5 WPM Morse proficency for operations below 30 MHz.

OK, so I'm a new no code Extra class, but I only op CW (OK, I have tried a bit of PSK and SSTV). My 41 year old novice and general tickets have long since expired and I don't have copies of them, so I wrote Canada and offer my original email and Canada's response...

Hello from Nebraska, USA,

I have read the reciprocal agreement between Canada and the USA but have a question about my US license privileges and Canadian operation.

I am licensed as an Amateur Extra class operator in the USA, but this license was issued after the Morse code requirement was dropped. I've passed 5 WPM and 13 WPM tests in the US in the past, but that was many years ago. Though I only operate Morse code now, the fact that my current license did not require a Morse code test, I wonder what I need to do to operate CW in Canada on HF?

I hope to operate as a portable station during an upcoming trip to and from Alaska along the Alaska Highway. Thanks for any information you can provide.

Brian Hoag - ACØUS
Cambridge, Nebraska

Canada Responds...

Good afternoon Mr. Hoag:

Thank you for your query in regard to the current reciprocal operating privileges afforded to American Amateur Radio Operators while visiting Canada.

As per Section 3.1.1 of the current Industry Canada document, RBR-4, the operation of American Amateur Radio stations within Canada on frequencies below 30 MHz requires the possession of an International Morse Code certification of at least 5 words per minute.

Due to the recent abolishment of the Morse Code requirement from all American Amateur Radio certificates, the Department will be removing this requirement in the next issue of RBR-4.

In the interim, American Amateur Radio operators may operate an amateur station in Canada in accordance with the provisions applicable to the holder of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic, Morse Code (5 w.p.m.) and Advanced Qualifications to the extent that they do not exceed the privileges of their American certificate.

I trust that this has provided the answer to your query.


Regards,

Sylvia Lamarche
Amateur Radio Service Centre | Centre de service pour la radio amateur
Spectrum Management Operations Branch |
Direction général des opérations de la gestion du spectre
Industry Canada | Industrie Canada
P.O. Box 9654 Station T, Ottawa ON K1G 6K9
C.P. 9654 Succursale T ,Ottawa ON K1G 6K9
Telephone | Téléphone 1-888-780-3333
Facsimile | Télécopieur 613-991-5575
[email protected]
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

Just a final note, I'm sure glad I don't have as long of an email signature as Ms. Lamarche!:)

[Andy N1ORK]

"In the interim, American Amateur Radio operators may operate an amateur station in Canada in accordance with the provisions applicable to the holder of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic, Morse Code (5 w.p.m.) and Advanced Qualifications to the extent that they do not exceed the privileges of their American certificate

So Brian, can you operate HF or not? Also, don't forget your Passport.
73

[Radio]

If I read between the lines, I think she saying

"Come on up, bring your rig and your ticket, and have a good time. You're supposed to have Morse Code, but it's going away and we can't really prove you ever passed a 5 wpm test, and neither can you, and our people have a lot better things to do than bother with a ham operator who is otherwise following the rules."

Sort of a don't ask. don't tell sort of thing.

[Off Pavement]

I read the statement to say...

Even though our published requirement is not met, you can operate the same as a Canadian ham that has his/her Basic, 5 WPM certificate, and Advanced Qualifications as required by Canadian rules. Additionally, I can't operate beyond my US license privileges.

To be a bit more specific, I need to read up on the Canadian license privileges for those with Basic, 5 WPM and Advanced Qualifications, but in reality, I think Radio has it right when saying... "Come on up, bring your rig and your ticket, and have a good time."

[WD8QBQ]

Sounds to me like your good to go. Have a nice time.

JIM :fish2::fire::redtent::rv:

[One Country Boy]

Yes, I think you are good to go also. Although she did not actually answer your question, she was probably not in a position to say, "sure go ahead". Just operate and ask forgiveness later.

Have a great trip Brian!