Education

False Alerts

When an EPIRB or ELT is accidentally activated, contact the nearest marine or air radio station and advise the operator of the circumstances.  If this procedure is not adhered to, coordinators are forced to waste time and resources in an attempt to locate the source of the signal.

Do not use red flares during any training exercise in which flares are used.  Although the coordinators at JRCC may be aware of your training plan, other citizens it your immediate area may respond as if it is a distress situation - without contacting JRCC.

Misleading radio calls often lead to an extensive search for the source - taking valuable resources away from actual distress incidents.

Use caution when using distress signals. It is a criminal offence to knowingly generate a false distress call.

Registration of 406 MHz EPIRBs, ELTs and PLBs

In order for these emergency beacons to be used effectively, the registration data must be correct.  The Canadian database is held and maintained by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, in Ottawa.  If you wish to change the registration details, please call 1-800-727-9414 during normal business hours or click here.

Seminars and Visits

Currently, JRCC Halifax conducts seminars for the offshore oil and gas industry. Participants include installation managers, drilling supervisors, vessel masters and emergency team members.  During these sessions participants are introduced to the Canadian SAR system and what to expect from JRCC in the event of a significant offshore incident.  In addition,  industry representatives are advised of situations that would likely involve the use of the offshore facilities during SAR incidents that may not directly effect them.

Similar seminars have been proposed, but not yet introduced, for the cruise ship industry.

If you would like any further information on these seminars, or feel that your group or organization would benefit from a visit to JRCC, please contact the Officer in Charge.

Boating Safety Information

Information on safe boating and licensing of operators can be obtained from the Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety.  They can be contacted at 613-990-2309 or click here to open their web site in a new window.