New Radio Standard for Emergency Beacons

Summary#

• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has published Radio Standards Specification RSS-287, Issue 3, which sets certification requirements for emergency beacons and related devices. The document was posted on April 2, 2024 and is available on the department’s Spectrum management and telecommunications website.
• The Department of Transport published a notice under the Marine Liability Act that calculates the levy for the Ship‑source Oil Pollution Fund at 61.45 cents for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2024 (if the levy were to be imposed). The Canada Gazette item also lists open Governor in Council appointment opportunities from the Privy Council Office.

What it does#

• Releases a new technical standard:
  • Publishes Radio Standards Specification RSS-287, Issue 3. It covers certification requirements for emergency beacons: EPIRB, ELT, PLB, and MSLD and the frequencies they may use (for example, 406 MHz, 121.5 MHz, 243 MHz, 161.975 MHz, 162.025 MHz, 156.525 MHz).
  • The standard is now the official reference for certification and is posted on the department’s published documents page. Comments can be sent via the department’s online Standard Change Request form.
• Reports an estimated levy rate:
  • States that the levy for payments into the Ship‑source Oil Pollution Fund would be 61.45 cents if imposed or reimposed during the fiscal year commencing April 1, 2024.
• Announces appointment opportunities:
  • The Privy Council Office lists many current Governor in Council appointment openings and says each opportunity is open for at least two weeks after posting. One date shown in the list is April 16, 2024.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers, testers and certifiers of emergency locating devices (EPIRBs, ELTs, PLBs, MSLDs). They will use RSS-287, Issue 3 when certifying equipment for sale or use in Canada.
• Users of those devices — such as boaters, pilots, and backcountry travellers — may be affected indirectly if certification changes affect which models are available or approved.
• Entities that would pay the Ship‑source Oil Pollution Fund levy under the Marine Liability Act. The notice gives the calculated rate (61.45 cents) but does not itself impose the levy.
• Canadians interested in federal board and agency appointments. The Privy Council Office list is aimed at people who might apply for Governor in Council roles.

Why it matters#

• Updated standards can change what devices are allowed or how they must be tested. That affects safety equipment available to people who travel by sea, air, or in remote areas.
• The levy figure (61.45 cents) signals the cost level that could apply to obligated parties if the levy is imposed for the fiscal year starting April 1, 2024. That can matter to companies that handle shipborne oil or related products, because levies can affect operating costs.
• The appointment notices matter for governance: the listed vacancies shape who runs or oversees many public bodies and programs. If you’re interested in such posts, note the application timing referenced (for example, April 16, 2024 appears in the listing).