What is it?
Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons has joined Atmospheric Environment Service (AES) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) to implement the Marine Reporting Program (MAREP) as a means for mariners to help themselves and others in learning about changing weather conditions. Volunteer Canadian Power and Sail Squadron members provide valuable on-the-spot weather observations to AES weather centres through CCG Radio weather reports on the Continuous Marine Radio Broadcasting System. MAREP station operators pass weather observations from offshore vessels directly to marine weather forecasters. The forecasters discuss the evolving weather systems and expected wind conditions with the operators who, in turn, relay such information back to participating vessels.

Also, of particular importance is the reporting of any descrepencies on nautical charts with respect to the existence of man-made structures, and the positions of aids to navigation.

Who can participate?
Participation in MAREP is open to any CPS member who has a Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Certificate and has a VHF radio or cell phone. To become involved, registration in the program is done through the Squadron's MAREP Officer. Once registrants are acknowledged by the District MAREP Officer and the AES, an instruction manual and a call number will be issued.

How is reporting done?
After giving his/her ship's name and call number, the participant is expected to give the ship's position, the sky condition, the current weather condition, the visibility, the wind direction, the wind speed, and the wave height. Unusual or sudden changes in weather that differ from the AES forecast should be reported without delay.

Reports on hydrographic features are usually written in a report to the Squadron's MAREP Officer.

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