Should Canada Update Maritime Radio Frequencies for Digital Ship Communications?
Official title: Notice No. SMSE-010-25 — Consultation on the Policy, Technical and Licensing Framework for the VHF Maritime Frequency Bands
Canada wants to modernize how ships communicate using VHF radio frequencies. The plan would enable a new digital system called VDES that lets vessels exchange data more efficiently. This means phasing out some older analog systems in certain frequency bands. The government is asking whether these changes make sense and how to handle the transition.
Why This Matters
Work on a commercial fishing boat or cargo ship? This affects how your vessel communicates. The new digital system could improve safety at sea by letting ships share more data. But the transition means some older radio equipment may need replacing.
What Could Change
Analog maritime systems in certain frequency bands would be displaced and face a licensing moratorium. New VDES technology would be implemented for both land-based and satellite communications. Technical requirements for maritime radio operations may be revised to free up more channels.
Key Issues
- Should analog maritime systems be displaced from the VDE frequency bands?
- How should VDES be implemented in Canada for both terrestrial and satellite components?
- Is there still a need for public correspondence duplex channels?
- Should technical requirements for maritime radio be revised to enhance channel availability?
How to Participate
- Review the Consultation on the Policy, Technical and Licensing Framework for the VHF Maritime Frequency Bands to understand the proposed changes.
- Submit your comments by email to consultationradiostandards-consultationnormesradio@ised-isde.gc.ca by January 22, 2026. Reply comments are due by February 23, 2026.