BC Coast frequencies

[novascotian]

In years gone by I used to monitor the Department of Fisheries network with repeaters in the range of 143 MHz.... Also in that range was a Coast Guard lightstation network..(not VHF marine band).. this was a line into Vancouver from the lightstations all around Georgia Strait... not sure if any manned lightstations still exist out there.. My question is, does anyone know if these two nets still are in operation, and any details you have... Seems to me that at that time, about 20 years ago, that in among these frequencies were some of the BC MInistry of Transportation (Highways) repeaters so 143 to 144 was full of at least semi-interesting stuff.

 

[ecommfan]

Both networks still in operation . DFO has some P25 ENC now . Was an on air union meeting of the manned lighthouses a couple of months back . Linked all the way up to Langara which is in Dixon entrance the border with Alaska . Heard most of the manned stations . Lighthouses of British Columbia
The transport ones are still in the 143 mhz range . Very usefull come wintertime . Ministry of Highways and Transportation - ScanBC

 

[novascotian]

Thanks for that info.... so DFO has some encrypted... if they have any in the clear you are lucky. Here in NS they are on the provincial trunk system and as far as I know are 100% encrypted.

Was fascinated to hear of the link up of the manned lights for the meeting... I would have loved to have heard that.. also I appreciate the lighthouse link you posted. I am familiar with the names of all the manned ones and quite a few of the ones that have been destaffed. In my earlier years, in the 60's I monitored MF marine radio including the main broadcast frequency back then which was 1630 kHz... and all of these lights were mentioned in the weather broadcasts. While I am sad to see that my favourite light Sisters Islets is now automated I was really surprised to see how many have survived with keepers. In the Maritimes I think there is only one left, and that is for political reasons, at Machias Seal Island because the Americans have a long-standing claim that they own it so it helps our side to have it continuously inhabited.

PS how does someone have a favourite lighthouse.. well in my case it was the one I could see from my town (Qualicum Beach) on any clear night... I recall it was on a stamp a few years back so I guess someone else liked it too!

Bill