Do you know the difference between a Tsunami Warning, a Tsunai Watch and a Tsunami Advisory? There are critical differences between these levels of warnings.  The response level varies for each category. To learn the definitions of each go to

Array

Below is the RAC Bulletin on the changes to the Contraventions Act.  It may be a good idea to carry a copy  of your amateur certificate of proficiency  with you. Remember in BC if you have ham plates on a motor vehicle you must be a licenced ham and you may need to prove it. Check your vehicle registration for the requirements

RAC Bulletin 2012-072E – Regulations Amending the Contraventions Regulations
2012-12-22

There has been an announcement in the Canada Gazette as to changes in the Contraventions regulations concerning the enforcement of the Radiocommunication Regulations.

These changes will allow peace officers including Municipal, Provincial and RCMP police officers to issue tickets for certain offences under the Radiocommunication Regulations.

The changes may be seen at:

<http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2012/2012-11-21/html/sor-dors236-eng.html>

Radio Amateurs of Canada is the national voice for Amateur Radio in Canada. Our efforts not only promote the Amateur Radio Service but protect it from regulatory interference that may lead to less capability to provide emergency communications. Not already a RAC member? Why not join today at www.rac.ca and find out about the many benefits our members enjoy across the country and the world beyond.

Bill Gade, VE4WO
Regulatory Affairs

The IARU has now released all frequencies used in the Philippine storm event.   For full details go to

http://www.iaru-r1.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1103:another-storm-disaster-ends-in-the-philippines&catid=48:emcom&

7.09MHz is the frequency in use by Philippines ham operators. Please ensure you keep the frequency clear until the emergency is over.  For full details go to

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2012/philippines_activates_emergency_net.htm?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#.UNnv

The aftershocks continue in Haida Gwaii with a Magnitude 5.0 reported at 0528 UTC Dec 6th 2012. The location was 50 kmsouth west of Sandspit. This is the same area where the Magnitude 7.7 struck several weeks ago.. There is NO Tsunami warning and no reported injuries or damage.  Representatives from several universities and Natural Resources Canada continue their research in the area.   This is yet another reminder to be prepared.  ARES units are you ready to assist if required ?

The website below lists the National HF Emergency Frequencies

https://www.rac.ca/en/rac/public-service/ares/frequencies/

Effective   Friday, November 16, 2012, the previous website www.pep.bc.ca was  changed to www.embc.gov.bc.ca

Do you know the difference between a Tsunami Warning and a Tsunami Advisory? The response between the two is very different.  For the definition of a warning and advisory and other information go to the website noted below.  While this information is useful to the general public it is very important for those involved with ARES

http://www.prepareyourself.ca/hazards-in-our-region/tsunami.aspx

Surrey Emergency Plan Amateur Radio Service (SEPARS) came in #1 in BC and #2 in Canada in the 2012 Field Day Results.  Congratulations to the entire team

http://separs.net/

Did you have a family evacuation plan?

• Visit http://www.getprepared.gc.ca to learn how to make an evacuation plan for your family.
• Practise the plan so that everybody understands how to stay calm and make the plan work.

Do you know the route to take to get to higher ground?

• Visit http://www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/Tsunami_Brochure/Prepare_for_Tsunami.html to learn how to prepare for a Tsunami.
• Visit your municipality’s web site to find out where the Tsunami Inundations Zones are for your area.  For Nanaimo the information can be found at http://www.nanaimo.ca/EN/main/departments/Fire-Rescue/4232/emergency-preparedness.html
• If you live in low-lying coastal areas there is a Tsunami escape route marked with this sign