Category Archives: Uncategorized

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ARRL AND RRI Reach Agreement. August 2025

Finally some collaboration. Below is information from the ARRL letter

ARRL and Radio Relay International (RRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The formal agreement, signed by ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and RRI Board Chairman James Wades, WB8SIW, outlines the value the organizations find in cooperation.

 

Radio Relay International® (RRI) was established in 2016 to enhance and promote effective nationwide messaging and emergency communications capabilities. Since its founding, RRI has developed an extensive work product consisting of a wide variety of training programs, a tested and evolved National Response Plan, and communications facilities designed to better prepare radio amateurs to serve their community in time of emergency. Central to these goals has been modernization of the NTS. Both ARRL and RRI recognize the importance of effective public service and emergency communications, including the shared goal of modernizing and enhancing the National Traffic System. “Coordination between our two organizations will prevent duplication of efforts and ensure that both the public and emergency services agencies have access to effective NTS disaster communications facilities,” said Wades, who is also RRI’s Emergency Management Director.

 

The National Traffic System, created by ARRL in 1949, is a network of trained amateur radio operators who ensure the rapid transmission and relay of messages, or “traffic.” In addition to basic voice and Morse code, or “CW,” communications networks, the NTS has recently been modernized through the addition of the Digital Traffic Network, as well as interoperable messaging gateways and specialized software templates developed in association with the Winlink Development Team, which operates an international radio email service well-suited to disaster response.

 

“Through last year’s hurricanes and the recent devastating floods in Texas, we’re seeing amateur radio continue to be a vital tool before and during times of crisis,” said ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. “Amateur radio works When All Else Fails®, and traffic handling is an important part of that,” he said. Future plans for the improvement of NTS include the development of additional robust HF digital networks, improved interoperability with local and state emergency communications organizations, and continued development of local and regional VHF and UHF digital “packet radio” network capabilities. Coordination between RRI and ARRL will play an important role in achieving these goals.

 
 

 
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Emergency Expo 2025 CANCELLED.

EMERGENCY EXPO 2025  CANCELLED
The decision was made by Emergency Management Oceanside (City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach and the Regional District of Nanaimo) to cancel this year’s Emergency Preparedness Expo scheduled for September 6.

 

This decision was not taken lightly and comes in response to the ongoing impacts of the Wesley Ridge wildfire, which has placed considerable demands on emergency services teams and community resources. While Emergency Management Oceanside was looking forward to hosting this important event and appreciates the support of the community to attend the event, the current focus remains on supporting recovery efforts.

 

For current information on the wildfires on Vancouver Island, please refer to BC
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Emergency Communication Centre Has New Home August 2025

Those that supply emergency communication to the southern portion of Vancouver Island will soon have a new home. For all the details go to

https://www.timescolonist.com/islander/disaster-proof-new-digs-for-first-responders-radio-system-built-to-survive-the-big-one-11088734?utm_source=Times+Colonist+Headline+News&utm_campaign=70b94181a3-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d22ba5c6e6-a978a9ba3c-97053749&mc_cid=70b94181a3&mc_eid=66bf96d40c

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In Times of Crisis Where Do You Get Your Information

A VERY GOOD  reminder.

 

Passing along this information posted by BCWS to Facebook on August 5.

During wildfire season, people turn to social media for updates and to share information. This can be a time of fear and anxiety and during times of concern misinformation can spread quickly and add to the uncertainty.

Whether well-intentioned or intentionally misleading, misinformation is the last thing any of us need during emergencies.

It is more important now than ever before to ensure you are seeking official sources of wildfire and emergency information and turning a critical eye to content shared on social media in the heat of the moment.

In the photos below, you can see images generated with artificial intelligence that were shared by other accounts and seemingly show recent wildfires. However, they do not accurately represent the terrain, fire size or fire behaviour in the area. Someone scrolling past could believe this image is real or accurate when it is not.
The best time to identify your own trusted sources is before you need them. Some sources to consider are:

  • Downloading the BC Wildfire Service App or visiting our online map gives you nearly real-time information on wildfires sizes, what resources are responding, perimeters, images and more.
  • Signing up for a local emergency alert system such as Voyent Alert or Alertable can ensure you are informed of evacuation alerts or orders as soon as possible, check with your local government for details.
  • Identifying at least one local news source that you trust such as a radio station or newspaper gives you another channel to receive updates about what is happening nearby.
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Some Information about Wildfires and ICBC

 

The following is provided for your information. If you have concerns about ICBC coverage, or know someone who does have concerns have them check with their broker for clarification.

 

In BC, vehicle damage caused by wildfires is covered by optional insurance coverages – comprehensive or specified perils – which are available from ICBC and other insurers. Most BC drivers have optional insurance coverage for wildfires. If you don’t, or if your policy has expired or lapsed, talk to an Autoplan broker before you face the risk of a wildfire.

 

If you’re placed on evacuation alert or ordered to evacuate, you won’t be able to purchase new comprehensive or specified perils coverage or certain other optional own damage coverages until the alert or order has been lifted or you have moved your vehicle from the designated evacuation order or alert zone.

 

If your vehicle is uninsured and you’re placed on an evacuation alert or order, you can purchase basic insurance coverage on a temporary operation permit to move your vehicle to safety. We encourage customers in this situation to contact an Autoplan broker that can assist by phone and email. For more information about insurance coverage and restrictions in affected areas, please contact an Autoplan broker.

 

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Radio Amateurs of Canada Advanced Course Fall 2025

RAC Advanced Course: Fall 2025

Registration is now underway. Please visit the Advanced Course registration page at the link provided below.

Radio Amateurs of Canada is once again offering an online Advanced Qualification Amateur Radio Course so that individuals can upgrade their qualifications.

With your Advanced Certificate, you can run higher power, operate a remotely-controlled station, obtain operating privileges when travelling overseas, set up repeaters, be the trustee for club stations and even become an Accredited Examiner (AE) if you have the Morse code qualification.

Schedule and Cost:

The course will be 10 sessions in length and each session will be two hours long.

In order to offer maximum flexibility, we will be running two Advanced courses so students will be able to choose one of the following two options:

Courses are offered on Sunday afternoons or Monday evenings and are two hours in duration.

Sunday afternoons:

Sunday afternoons at 1 pm Eastern Time (10 am PT / 2:30 NT) starting on Sunday, September 7 and ending on Sunday, November 23

Or: 

Monday evenings:

Monday evenings from 8:30 pm Eastern Time (5:30 pm PT / 10 pm NT) starting on Monday, September 8 and ending on Monday, November 24

Course information:

For complete course information please visit the RAC Advanced Course webpage.

Registration:

Registration is now underway. Please visit the Advanced Course registration page at the link provided below.

You need to be a RAC Maple Leaf Operator Member to register for this course. If you are not already a RAC Maple Leaf Operator Member, you can upgrade easily.

Please contact course instructor Dave Goodwin, VE3KG at regulatory@rac.ca or Alan Griffin (MarCom Director) at marcom@rac.ca if you have any problems.