Amateur Radio Certification Course

The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association will be offering an amateur radio training course to the public beginning Wednesday February 3rd 2010. The course will teach all the necessary technical knowledge and required operating regulations to obtain an amateur radio certificate issued by Industry Canada.

Ham radio is a fun and interesting hobby. Licensed radio amateurs can communicate with other amateurs across town, throughout the island, across the province, the country and world-wide using everything from small hand-held transceivers to high frequency radios, computers and even the Internet.

An important part of amateur radio is the public service it brings to the community. HAMS volunteer their time and equipment to provide reliable communications during community events like the Great International World Championship Bathtub Race, the Gut Buster races and other such local activities.

Amateur radio has a more serious component as well. The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association is part of the Provincial Emergency Program and plays an important role within the City of Nanaimo and Regional District of Nanaimo Emergency Management programs. During major disasters, amateur radio provides a vital public service in times of crisis by assuring reliable means of emergency communications when conventional telephone, cell phone and internet services fail. Radio amateurs participate, along with other key agencies and organizations, in various simulated disaster exercises designed to hone their skills and preparedness.

For more information on the courses being offered by the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association or to learn more about amateur radio please contact Matt Lewis at va7mjl@gmail.com or visit the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association web site at http://www.ve7na.ca/training

Please Contact Matthew Lewis va7mjl@gmail.com or 250 - 756 -2901

**Please be advised that applications for the Amateur radio course are now being accepted. To confirm your enrollment, please submit the course application with payment prior to 19th of January 2010.**

Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association
1415 Wingrove St.
Nanaimo B.C.
Canada, V9S 3L8**