Some GPS receivers may interpret the date as January 6, 1980. GPS users are reminded that they should not rely solely on GPS for position information during and after the rollover period in any circumstances where an incorrect position would result in a hazardous situation to themselves or others. Correct functioning of the receiver should be verified as soon as possible after the rollover. It is always good practice to have more than one means of determining position. Users are also advised to consult receiver manufacturers and dealers to find out if their receiver is EOW rollover ready.
Users can get more information on the GPS rollover from various sources.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Year 2000 pamphlets entitled Time to Act which included information on the GPS rollover were distributed to fishing boat owners, pleasure craft owners and the marine industry throughout the summer. The Canadian Coast Guard has featured the event in Notices to Mariners monthly for the past several months and is currently broadcasting Notices to Shipping through the Marine Communication and Traffic Services on a daily basis. With respect to DFO's own activities, which include Differential GPS services and receivers used on vessels and on shore, we have carried out extensive testing and are not anticipating any interruptions in our levels of service. However, we are concerned for those individuals who have not verified their equipment and are planning to navigate on Canadian waters during the August 21 rollover period.