*** Canadian Auxillary Coast Guard, Western Region  ***

Director of Operations: Tully Waisman

(Area code 604) Res:  925-0251	 Bus: 922-1173	Pager: 735-3801
		Cell: 341-9555/6 Boat: 341-6031 email: tully@emergex.com


            C.G. Auxillary Mobile Communications Van (M.C.V.)

Contacts:  Barry Hastings  - FMTBAB         Wes Thomson
           Canadian Coast Guard             Vancouver Coast Guard Radio
           800 Burrard Street               109 - 4611 Cowley Crescent
           Vancouver, B.C.                  Richmond, B.C.
           (604) 631-3882                   (604)  666-2066 (work)
                                            (604) 272-0475 (home)

        MCV Cellular Phone: (604) 230-3021
        Canadian Coast Guard
        Mobile Communications Van   


Coast Guard Telecom and Electronics have put together a well 
equipped Coast Guard Radio Station in a 6.3 metre Ford Econoline 
Van. This unit, completed in 1991, is operated by Telecommunications 
and Electronics Branch (Western Region), Canadian Coast Guard. MCV 
provides a multi-purpose link between land and marine rescue 
agencies in a variety of emergency situations.

MCV is designed to provide fast response backup 
communications for Coast Guard Radio stations. It can also respond 
to marine-oriented disasters such as oil-spills, floods, landslides 
and fires where maritime, aeronautical and land-based rescue 
resources are involved. It can communicate with Coast Guard, Rescue 
Centre, other Coast Guard Radio Stations, response vessels, aircraft 
and rescue groups such as police, fire departments and ambulance 
services. Because of it's mobility, the unit is able to respond to 
the disaster, establish a communications command post, relay 
messages between rescue groups and help coordinate and speed rescue 
efforts.

MCV is equipped with radio equipment capable of operation on 
Public Service emergency frequencies, Marine and Aeronautical 
channels, Marine direction-finding and, General Radio Service 
(Citizen's Band) channels. To facilitate long distance 
communications, powerful high frequency (HF), radio equipment is 
also installed.

Other equipment includes various whip antennae for VHF 
operations and a 9.1 metre telescoping mast to mount a VHF Yagi 
antenna and a High Frequency long wire antenna. An onboard computer 
and printer with fax and data capabilities are used in conjunction 
with other specialized equipment for logging communications, 
database information, direct data communication with various SAR 
agencies, etc.

The MCV is completely self-contained and independant. It's 
radio equipment and inside lighting can be powered by internal 
battery system or by the 4.0 Kilowatt ONAN generator. The unit has 
the capability to tap into AC "shorepower" should it be available. 
The MCV has a cellular phone unit, used for voice or data, and is 
also capable of tapping into 1 or 2 external telephone lines.

When operational, the 2-person crew are supplied by a 25 litre fresh 
water tank, propane stove, refregerator and furnace. The MCV is kept 
stocked and ready to go at all times. When not involved in priority 
duties, the MCV is available for general communications training 
within the Canadian Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxilliary groups. 
It is also used for marine safety communications at local events 
such as the Nanaimo to Vancouver Bathtub race and at international 
events like the Swiftsure Yacht Race.

Canadian Coast Guard Telecommunications Branch can be contacted to 
put the MCV on display or arrange for participation in Marine 
activities or events. For further information, contact:

Feb. 1996

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