The Search and Rescue Interagency Frequency (SAR-IF)

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Who should use the SAR-IF?

The SAR-IF is intended for use by first responders participating in a search and rescue (SAR) incident who must establish interagency communications. This includes the military, Canadian Coast Guard, police, SAR volunteers, park wardens, fire and ambulance services, emergency measures organizations, amateur radio operators supporting SAR, and many others.

2) Does the SAR-IF replace existing radio frequencies used for SAR?

No. The SAR-IF is intended to link together responders from different agencies and operational environments (e.g. air, ground, marine) who might not otherwise have a means of establishing direct radio communication. It is not intended to replace the existing operational or tactical radio frequencies used by individual groups for internal communications. Doing so would unnecessarily congest the SAR-IF channel, interfering with its intended purpose.

3) Is the SAR-IF a secure channel?

No. In order for it to be effective, the SAR-IF must remain accessible to a diverse range of agencies at short notice. Therefore, the SAR-IF is a simplex very high frequency (VHF) channel located in the land mobile band, and is not encrypted. Communications on this channel are not secure, and users must take this into account.

4) Has a CTCSS tone been established for use with the SAR-IF?

Yes. To better enable multi-jurisdictional operations in congested areas, the SAR-IF should be used with the Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) tone 156.7 Hz. Depending on the make of the radio, this may also be referred to as a "PL tone", "Quiet Channel", "Channel Guard", or similar. Check your radio documentation or the manufacturer to confirm the setting that corresponds to CTCSS tone 156.7 Hz.

5) Do I need a radio operator's licence to use the SAR-IF?

No. A Radio Operator's Certificate is no longer required to use land mobile frequencies such as the SAR-IF. However, to make most efficient use of the land radio system, everyone using the SAR-IF should be familiar with the operating procedures outlined in Industry Canada's Radiocommunication Information Circular 22, General Radiotelephone Operating Procedures.

6) Does my radio need to be licensed to use the SAR-IF?

Yes. The SAR-IF is a land mobile frequency that is subject to licensing. Industry Canada facilitates access to the radio frequency spectrum by issuing licences for its use.

7) I'm an amateur radio operator. Am I exempt from equipment licensing?

No, you are not exempt in this case. You must licence the radio equipment that will be operating on the SAR-IF. The SAR-IF is not an amateur radio frequency, and is therefore subject to standard licensing regulations.

8) How do I license my radio equipment to use the SAR-IF?

If you would like to license new radio equipment, or have the SAR-IF added to an existing radio licence (fixed or mobile), an application should be made to your nearest Industry Canada District Office or Service Centre. Government departments and agencies may apply directly to Industry Canada for use of the frequency. For other organizations, including volunteer teams, your application must be accompanied by a letter of endorsement from the government department or agency, confirming your need to use the SAR-IF.

9) What application form do I need to complete and send to Industry Canada?

For fixed or base station radios, the form IC-2365, Application for Licence to Install and Operate a Radio Station in Canada should be used. For mobile or portable radios, the form IC-2366, Mobile Radio Station Licence Application should be used. These forms may be used either to apply for a new radio licence or to add the SAR-IF to an existing licence.

10) How much does a licence cost?

Information on the license fees applicable to fixed, mobile, and portable radios is available through Industry Canada's Radiocommunications Information Circular 42, Guide for Calculating Radio Licence Fees.

11) I use an aircraft (fixed wing or helicopter) from time-to-time in support of SAR operations. Can I use the SAR-IF on the aircraft radio?

Most of the radios installed in light aircraft for voice communications operate in the VHF-AM range between 118 MHz and 137 MHz. Since the SAR-IF at 149.080 MHz is above this range, standard aeronautical radios will not be able to tune this frequency. Radio equipment capable of transmitting on the SAR-IF may be installed in the aircraft (in accordance with applicable Transport Canada requirements), but this equipment will require a radio station licence from Industry Canada. It is not covered by the aeronautical radio station license exemption.

12) I use a boat from time-to-time in support of SAR operations. Can I use the SAR-IF with my marine radios?

Most of the radios used on smaller boats for marine communications operate in the VHF-FM range between 156 MHz and 174 MHz. Since the SAR-IF at 149.080 MHz is below this range, regular marine radios are unlikely to reach this frequency. Radio equipment capable of transmitting on the SAR-IF may be installed or carried on the vessel (in accordance with applicable Transport Canada requirements), but this equipment will require a radio licence from Industry Canada. It is not covered by the marine radio station license exemption.