RIC-22 — General Radiotelephone Operating Procedures

1. Intent

This document contains information useful to all radio operators. It outlines general operating procedures; including the proper manner in which a radio message is to be structured and sent, as well as the international phonetic alphabet used to avoid confusion and provide clarity when spelling words. General information on distress calling procedures can also be found in this document.

2. Background

This document originally contained information specifically used by candidates applying for the Restricted Operator's Certificate - Land (ROC-L). This certificate is no longer being issued. The general information provided here, is still relevant to all radio operators, and thus is being offered for that purpose.

3. General Information

3.1 Priority of Communications

The order of priority for the transmission of messages is:

1. Distress communications
2. Urgency communications
3. Safety communications
4. All other communications.

3.2 Privacy of Communications

Radio operators and all persons who become acquainted with radiocommunications are required to preserve the privacy of those communications. In accordance with section 9(2) of the Radiocommunication Act no person shall divulge the contents, or the existence, of communications transmitted, received or intercepted by a radio station, except as permitted by the addressee of the message or his/her accredited agent, or to authorized officials of the Government of Canada, officers of the court or an operator of a telecommunications system as is necessary to forward or deliver the communication. These restrictions do not apply to a message of distress, urgency, safety or to messages addressed to "ALL STATIONS"; (i.e. weather reports, storm warnings, etc).

As outlined in section 9.1 of the Act, any person who violates the privacy of communications is liable, on summary conviction, in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both, or, in the case of a person other than an individual, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding seventy-five thousand dollars.

3.3 Control of Communications

In communications between base stations and mobile radio stations, the base station has control of communications, and the mobile station shall comply with all instructions in matters relating to the order and time of transmission, the choice of frequency and to the duration and suspension of work. This does not apply in the cases of distress or urgency communications, where control lies with the station initiating the priority call.

3.4 Superfluous Communications and Interference

Radiocommunications between stations should be restricted to those necessary to conduct the business operations of the radio station licence holder. In accordance with section 32.(1) of the Radiocommunication Regulations, superfluous communication as well as profane and obscene language are strictly prohibited.

As noted in section 10.(1)(d) of the Act, any person who violates the Regulations relative to unauthorized communications, profane or obscene language is liable, on summary conviction, in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both, or, in the case of a corporation, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars.

The Act clearly states that all radio stations shall be operated so as not to interfere with or obstruct any radiocommunication. The penalties for doing so are the same as those noted above. The only situation under which you may interrupt or interfere with the normal working of another station is when you are required to transmit a higher priority message, for example, distress, urgency or other priority calls or messages.

3.5 False Distress Signals

Section 9.(1)(a) of the Act clearly states that no person shall knowingly send, transmit, or cause to be sent or transmitted any false or fraudulent distress signal, message, call or radiogram of any kind. Penalties for this offence, on summary conviction, in the case of an individual, can include a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both, or, in the case of a corporation, to a fine not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars.