Canada Updates RSS-287 & RSS-288: New ISED Standards for EPIRB, ELT, PLB, MSLD & GMDSS (2026)
- May 21
- 3 min read
On May 14, 2026, Canada's Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) published significant revisions to two key Radio Standards Specifications governing emergency and maritime radio equipment: RSS-287 (Issue 4) and RSS-288 (Issue 2). These updates directly affect manufacturers, importers, and certification bodies placing emergency locator and maritime safety equipment on the Canadian market.
What Was Updated in the Canada RSS-287 Update
RSS-287, Issue 4 - Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT), Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), and Maritime Survivor Locator Devices (MSLD)
The main technical revisions introduced by ISED include:
Digital Selective Calling (DSC): The closed-loop configuration has been modified to also include open-loop configurations, expanding test and operational flexibility.
MSLD with DSC: New requirements and referenced documents have been added for certifying Maritime Survivor Locator Devices equipped with DSC functionality.
Peak radiated power requirements: Modified specifications for MSLDs operating on 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz frequencies.
Key Changes in the Canada RSS-288 Update for GMDSS
RSS-288, Issue 2 - Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Removal of technical documents previously listed as normative publications.
Removal of tchnical requirements for Narrowband Direct Printing (NBDP) telegraphy, reflecting its phase-out from modern GMDSS architecture.
Clarification of frequencies of operation to reduce ambiguity in compliance testing.
Modifications to the Transport Canada Acceptance letter section, refining the administrative process for equipment recognition.
Cross-reference to RBR-2 and other related documents.
Direct alignment with the Navigation Safety Regulations 2020, replacing older references.
Certification Impact Summary
Standard | Equipment Covered | Issue | Key Certification Impact |
RSS-287 | EPIRB, ELT, PLB, MSLD | Issue 4 | DSC scope expanded (open + closed loop); new MSLD-DSC certification path; revised peak radiated power on 121.5 / 243 MHz |
RSS-288 | GMDSS equipment | Issue 2 | NBDP requirements removed; updated Transport Canada Acceptance process; alignment with Navigation Safety Regulations 2020 and RBR-2 |
In short: existing certifications remain valid where requirements are un changed, but new products submissions and re-certifications must follow the updated issues. MSLDs and GMDSS equipment will see the most significant impact.
What This Means for Manufacturers
Manufacturers of EPIRB, ELT, PLB MSLD, and GMDSS equipment intended for the Canadian market should expect the following operational implications:
Test reports generated under previous RSS-287 (Issue 3) or RSS-288 (Issue 1) may require updates or supplemental testing, particularly for DSC functionality and 121.5/243 MHz radiated power.
Technical documentation must reference tha latest issue numbers and the Navigation Safety Regulations 2020 rather than older instruments.
MSLD products incorporating DSC now have a formal certification path a meaningful opportunity for product expansion in the Canadian maritime market.
GMDSS product lines still relying on NBDP should be reviewed, as those technical requirements have been removed from RSS-288.
Coordination with the Certification Body (CB) and, where applicable, Transport Canada, will be necessary for product acceptance letters under the updated framework.
Timeline and Required Actions
Date | Event |
May 14, 2026 | ISED officially published RSS-287 Issue 4 and RSS-288 Issue 2 |
Immediately | New certification applications should reference the updated issues |
Ongoing | Manufacturers should audit existing portfolios against the new requirements |
Recommended actions for manufacturers:
Review the updated RSS-287 and RSS-288 documents in full against current product designs.
Identify affected SKUs, especially MSLDs with DSC and GMDSS equipment previously relying on NBDP.
Coordinate with your Certification Body to determine wheter delta testing or recertification is required.
Update technical files and declarations of conformity to reference the new issues.
Verify Transport Canada Acceptance letter requirements for any GMDSS equipment in your portfolio.
Monitor ISED publications for any further amendments or transition guidance.
The Canada RSS-287 and RSS-288 update of May 2026 represents a meaningful modernization of ISED's emergency and maritime radio certification framework. While the changes are primarily technical and editorial, the expanded DSC scope, revised MSLD power requirements, and removal of NBDP from GMDSS will require manufacturers to take concrete compliance actions. Reviewing affected products and engaging early with certification stakeholders will be key to ensuring uninterrupted access to the Canadian market.
