release 1.0 – september 2006 1 formal declaration of communication emergency during natural...

1Release 1.0 – September 2006

Formal Declaration of Communication Emergency

During natural disasters and other emergencies, certain amateur frequencies may be needed by hams supporting relief efforts. During such times, the FCC may issue a formal declaration of communication emergency. An FCC declaration of a temporary state of communication emergency may include any special conditions and rules to be observed during the emergency, including frequencies to be used only by hams participating in the emergency. (See §97.401(b))

After the FCC has declared a communications emergency you must avoid those frequencies dedicated to supporting the emergency unless you are participating in the relief effort.


Frequency Use

The effect of a declaration by the FCC is to legally restrict a frequency to emergency-only communication. (See §97.401(b)) If the FCC has not made a formal declaration of a communication emergency, no one has the exclusive use of a frequency.


Responding to Emergency Calls

If you are in contact with another station and an emergency call is heard, you must stop your contact immediately and take the emergency call.

If you hear someone reporting an emergency, you should assume the emergency is real and act accordingly.

Emergency traffic (messages) has priority over all other amateur communications. Priority must be given to stations providing emergency communications at all times and on all frequencies! (See §97.101(c))


Making an Emergency Call

You may come upon an emergency such as a car accident. When you need to initiate an emergency call on amateur radio, you should say "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" followed by "any station come in please" and identify your station. “Mayday” is recognized as the universal emergency voice distress signal.


Making a False Emergency Call

Making a false emergency call is serious business with severe penalties possible. You could have your license revoked, be fined a large sum of money, or even be sent to prison. (It may also be a serious violation of state law as well.) Making a false call is just not worth it!


Communicating with other Radio Services

Many amateur radios may be easily modified for extended frequency coverage. Amateurs may communicate with stations operating in other radio services outside of the ham bands under two conditions. First, when specially authorized by the FCC such as in the declaration of a temporary communications emergency, or second, when there is an actual emergency. (See §97.111(a))


Tactical Call Signs

When you help the authorities during an emergency, they may not understand amateur call signs. They may prefer that you use “tactical call signs” such as "command post" or "weather center" during an emergency. One reason for using tactical call signs is because they are more efficient and help coordinate public-service communications. The FCC permits the use of these call signs, but you still need to comply with regular station ID requirements.


Check-Up Time!

Now let’s try the questions from this group.

You should make a note of any that you miss for later review.


T8A01

What information is included in an FCC declaration of a temporary state of communication emergency?

A. A list of organizations authorized to use radio communications in the affected area

B. A list of amateur frequency bands to be used in the affected area

C. Any special conditions and rules to be observed during the emergency

D. An operating schedule for authorized amateur emergency stations


T8A01 Answer - C

§97.401(b)

(b) When a disaster disrupts normal communication systems in a particular area, the FCC may declare a temporary state of communication emergency. The declaration will set forth any special conditions and special rules to be observed by stations during the communication emergency...


T8A02

Under what conditions are amateur stations allowed to communicate with stations operating in other radio services?

A. When communicating with the space shuttleB. When specially authorized by the FCC, or in an actual emergency

C. When communicating with stations in the Citizens Radio Service

D. When a commercial broadcast station is reporting news during a natural disaster


T8A02 Answer - B§97.111(a)

(1) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with other stations in the amateur service, except those in any country whose administration has notified the ITU that it objects to such communications. The FCC will issue public notices of current arrangements for international communications;

(2) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with a station in another FCC-regulated service while providing emergency communications;

(3) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with a United States government station, necessary to providing communications in RACES; and

(4) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with a station in a service not regulated by the FCC, but authorized by the FCC to communicate with amateur stations. An amateur station may exchange messages with a participating United States military station during an Armed Forces Day Communications Test.


T8A03

What should you do if you are in contact with another station and an emergency call is heard?

A. Tell the calling station that the frequency is in use

B. Direct the calling station to the nearest emergency net

frequencyC. Disregard the call and continue with your contact

D. Stop your contact immediately and take the emergency call


T8A03 Answer - D

Emergency traffic ALWAYS has priority over routine communications.


T8A04What are the restrictions on amateur radio communications after the FCC has declared a communications emergency?

A. The emergency declaration prohibits all communications

B. There are no restrictions if you have a special emergency certification

C. You must avoid those frequencies dedicated to supporting the emergency unless you are participating in the relief effort

D. Only military stations are allowed to use the amateur radio frequencies during an emergency


T8A04 Answer - C

When the FCC declares a communications emergency, part of that declaration includes frequencies available to stations assisting in that emergency situation. If you are not a helping out in the emergency, you should not transmit on the designated frequencies!


T8A05

What is one reason for using tactical call signs such as "command post" or "weather center" during an emergency?

A. They help to keep the general public informed

B. They are more efficient and help coordinate public-service communications

C. They are required by the FCCD. They increase goodwill and sound professional


T8A05 Answer - B

Tactical callsigns are not a substitute for amateur callsigns, but they can be used to help coordinate communications when you are providing communications support for non-hams.


T8A06

What is legally required to restrict a frequency to emergency-only communication?

A. An FCC declaration of a communications emergency

B. Determination by the designated net manager for an emergency net

C. Authorization by an ARES/RACES emergency coordinator

D. A Congressional declaration of intent


T8A06 Answer - A

§97.401(b)

(b) When a disaster disrupts normal communication systems in a particular area, the FCC may declare a temporary state of communication emergency. The declaration will set forth any special conditions and special rules to be observed by stations during the communication emergency. A request for a declaration of a temporary state of emergency should be directed to the EIC in the area concerned.


T8A07

Who has the exclusive use of a frequency if the FCC has not declared a communication emergency?

A. Any net station that has trafficB. The station first occupying the frequency

C. Individuals passing health and welfare communications

D. No station has exclusive use in this circumstance


T8A07 Answer - D

No station has exclusive use of a frequency in the absence of a declared communications emergency. However, even though this is not one of the choices for this question, you must yield the frequency to emergency traffic - with or without an FCC declared emergency.


T8A08

What should you do if you hear someone reporting an emergency?

A. Report the station to the FCC immediately

B. Assume the emergency is real and act accordingly

C. Ask the other station to move to a different frequency

D. Tell the station to call the police on the telephone


T8A08 Answer - B

You must always assume that a person who says he or she has an emergency does, in fact, have an emergency. If that turns out not to be the case, it can be dealt with later by the FCC, but you should never refuse to yield the frequency just because you are not sure.


T8A09

What is an appropriate way to initiate an emergency call on amateur radio?

A. Yell as loudly as you can into the microphone

B. Ask if the frequency is in use and wait for someone to give you permission to go ahead before proceeding

C. Declare a communications emergencyD. Say "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" followed by "any station come in please" and identify your station


T8A09 Answer - D

The universal emergency signal for phone is "Mayday!"


T8A10

What are the penalties for making a false emergency call?

A. You could have your license revoked

B. You could be fined a large sum of money

C. You could be sent to prison

D. All of these answers are correct


T8A10 Answer - D

All of these answers are correct. Falsely declaring an emergency could buy you a whole lot of trouble, and it just isn't worth it!


T8A11

What type of communications has priority at all times in the Amateur Radio Service?

A. Repeater communications

B. Emergency communications

C. Simplex communications

D. Third-party communication


T8A11 Answer - B

§97.101(c)

(c) At all times and on all frequencies, each control operator must give priority to stations providing emergency communications, except to stations transmitting communications for training drills and tests in RACES.


T8A12

When must priority be given to stations providing emergency communications?

A. Only when operating under RACES B. Only when an emergency has been declared

C. Any time a net control station is on the air

D. At all times and on all frequencies


T8A12 Answer - D

§97.101(c)

(c) At all times and on all frequencies, each control operator must give priority to stations providing emergency communications, except to stations transmitting communications for training drills and tests in RACES.


Group T8B

Group T8B covers preparation for emergency operations, RACES/ARES, safety

of life and property, and using ham radio at civic events. It also

emphasizes that compensation for such activities is prohibited.


Emergency CommunicationsEmergency communications is a major public

service of ham radio, and every ham can help, regardless of license class. There several simple things you can do to be prepared for an emergency situation where your assistance might be needed. They include:

Check at least twice a year to make sure you have all of your emergency response equipment and know where it is.

Make sure you have a way to run your equipment if there is a power failure in your area.

Participate in drills that test your ability to set up and operate in the field.


Emergency PowerWhen you hear the term “emergency power” for

your equipment, you probably think of a big generator. That is certainly one source of emergency power, but any of the following could also be used as an alternate source of power to operate radio equipment during emergencies:

The battery in a car or truck

A bicycle generator

A portable solar panel


Calling for Help

There is only one time when may you use your amateur station to transmit a "SOS" or "MAYDAY" signal, and that is when there is immediate threat to human life or property. (See §97.403)


Using Other Radio Services

As a Technician licensee, you will be licensed to operate only on amateur frequencies. However, you can use non-amateur frequencies or equipment to call for help in a situation involving immediate danger to life or property because under FCC rules, in a genuine emergency you may use any means at your disposal to call for help on any frequency. (See §97.403, 97.405(a),(b))


Using Modified Amateur Equipment

Many amateur transceivers can be easily modified to transmit outside of amateur frequencies. However, unlicensed operation outside of amateur frequencies is generally illegal, and using modified equipment on other radio services may also be illegal. The one major exception is that you can you use a modified amateur radio transceiver to transmit on, say the local fire department frequency, only in a genuine emergency. If there is a true emergency, you may use any means at your disposal to call for help on any frequency. (See §§97.403, 97.405(a),(b))


RACES

RACES is an acronym for “Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service.” It is one of two major emergency service organizations. The primary function of RACES in relation to emergency activities is to serve local, state, and federal government emergency management agencies. RACES does not support non-governmental organizations. In order to become a RACES member and participate in RACES activities, you must first register with the responsible civil defense organization. (See §97.407(a))


ARES

ARES is an acronym for “Amateur Radio Emergency Service” and it is the other major emergency communications organization.

Unlike RACES which supports only government agencies, the primary function of ARES in relation to emergency activities is to support both public and private agencies such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, or the National Weather Service.


ARES MembershipThe only thing required for you to join an

ARES group is that you must have an amateur radio license. Once you join an ARES group, you will probably have the opportunity to receive additional training.

(NOTE: At the time this outline was being prepared, many ARES-supported organizations are also requiring completion of certain FEMA courses. However, if you see a question on your test about ARES participation, assume that the only requirement is an amateur license.)


Communicating During an Emergency

During a public service event casual conversation between stations should be avoided since idle chatter may interfere with important traffic.

Hams love to talk so much that we even have a special name for it – rag-chewing! But when there’s work to be done, hams should stick to business.


Business Use of Amateur Radio

Always remember the rule that says you cannot use amateur radio for business. For example, if a reporter asks to use your amateur radio transceiver to make a news report, you should advise the reporter that the FCC prohibits such use. Don’t compromise your license!


Check-Up Time!




T8B01

What can you do to be prepared for an emergency situation where your assistance might be needed?

A. Check at least twice a year to make sure you have all of your emergency response equipment and know where it is

B. Make sure you have a way to run your equipment if there is a power failure in your area

C. Participate in drills that test your ability to set up and operate in the field



T8B01 Answer - D

All of the choices are excellent ways to prepare for an emergency.


T8B02

When may you use your amateur station to transmit a "SOS" or "MAYDAY" signal?

A. Only when you are transmitting from a ship at sea

B. Only at 15 and 30 minutes after the hour C. When there is immediate threat to human life or property

D. When the National Weather Service has announced a weather warning


T8B02 Answer - C

§97.403

No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radiocommunication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available.

By the way, "Mayday!" is the universal voice signal for an emergency, and "SOS" is the universal Morse code signal.


T8B03

What is the primary function of RACES in relation to emergency activities?

A. RACES organizations are restricted to serving local, state, and federal government emergency management agencies

B. RACES supports agencies like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and National Weather Service

C. RACES supports the National Traffic System

D. RACES is a part of the National Emergency Warning System


T8B03 Answer - A

Races is an acronym for "Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service." This service is regulated by the FCC with input from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide amateur radio communications for government agencies during an emergency.


T8B04

What is the primary function of ARES in relation to emergency activities?

A. ARES organizations are restricted to serving local, state, and federal government emergency management agencies

B. ARES supports agencies like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and National Weather Service

C. ARES groups work only with local school districts

D. ARES supports local National Guard units


T8B04 Answer - B

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service during an emergency. Unlike RACES, however, ARES may support non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross Salvation Army, in addition to supporting government agencies.


T8B05

What organization must you register with before you can participate in RACES activities?

A. A local amateur radio clubB. A local racing organizationC. The responsible civil defense organization

D. The Federal Communications Commission


T8B05 Answer - C§97.407(a)

(a) No station may transmit in RACES unless it is an FCC-licensed primary, club, or military recreation station and it is certified by a civil defense organization as registered with that organization, or it is an FCC-licensed RACES station. No person may be the control operator of a RACES station, or may be the control operator of an amateur station transmitting in RACES unless that person holds a FCC-issued amateur operator license and is certified by a civil defense organization as enrolled in that organization.


T8B06

What is necessary before you can join an ARES group?

A. You are required to join the ARRL B. You must have an amateur radio license

C. You must have an amateur radio license and have Red Cross CPR

training D. You must register with a civil defense organization


T8B06 Answer - B

Since ARES is organized to provide amateur radio support, you must have an amateur license to join an ARES group.


T8B07

What could be used as an alternate source of power to operate radio equipment during emergencies?

A. The battery in a car or truck

B. A bicycle generator

C. A portable solar panel



T8B07 Answer - D

Most modern amateur radio gear is capable of running on DC power at 12 volts or less, so depending on the power requirements, you could possibly use any of these as a potential power source.


T8B08 AnswerWhen can you use non-amateur frequencies or equipment to call for help in a situation involving immediate danger to life or property?

A. Never; your license only allows you to use the frequencies authorized to your class of license

B. In a genuine emergency you may use any means at your disposal to call for help on any frequency

C. When you have permission from the owner of the set

D. When you have permission from a police officer on the scene


T8B08 Answer - B§97.403

No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radiocommunication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available

§97.405(a),(b)

(a) No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station in distress of any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its condition and location, and obtain assistance.

(b) No provision of these rules prevents the use by a station, in the exceptional circumstances described in paragraph (a), of any means of radiocommunications at its disposal to assist a station in distress.


T8B09

Why should casual conversation between stations during a public service event be avoided?

A. Such chatter is often interesting to bystanders

B. Other listeners might overhear personal information

C. Idle chatter may interfere with important traffic

D. You might have to change batteries more often


T8B09 Answer - C

During a public service event, the amateur is there to serve the public by assisting with the event. If an operator spends time with idle chatter, important information that needs to be passed may be missed.


T8B10

What should you do if a reporter asks to use your amateur radio transceiver to make a news report?

A. Allow the use but give your call sign every 10 minutes

B. Advise them that the FCC prohibits such use

C. Tell them it is OK as long as you do not receive compensation

D. Tell the reporter that you must approve the material beforehand


T8B10 Answer - B

Amateur radio may not be used for business purposes. Allowing a reporter to call in a report via amateur radio would be using amateur radio for business purposes. (Note, however, that if you are passing third party traffic during an emergency to get information out to the public via the media, that might not be considered a business use.)


T8B11 Answer

When can you use a modified amateur radio transceiver to transmit on the local fire department frequency?

A. When you are helping the Fire Department raise money

B. Only when the Fire Department is short of regular equipment

C. In a genuine emergency you may use any means at your disposal to call for help on any frequency

D. When the local Fire Chief has given written permission


T8B11 Answer - C§97.403

No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radiocommunication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available

§97.405(a),(b)

(a) No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station in distress of any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its condition and location, and obtain assistance.

(b) No provision of these rules prevents the use by a station, in the exceptional circumstances described in paragraph (a), of any means of radiocommunications at its disposal to assist a station in distress.


Group T8C

Group T8C covers net operations, responsibilities of the net control

station, and message handling. It also covers interfacing with public safety

officials.


Nets

Many hams enjoy participating in nets. Nets may be very informal or very formal, depending on the purpose. Some are rag-chewing or special interest nets, others may focus on emergency preparedness, and still others may be organized to pass messages of all sorts (traffic). It should come as no surprise that the type of traffic with the highest priority is emergency traffic.


Be Careful What You Transmit

In an emergency, you may pass all kinds of traffic such as requests for supplies, a schedule for relief operators, or estimates of how long the emergency might last. However, for a number of reasons you should never transmit personal information concerning victims over amateur radio frequencies during emergencies!


Net Check-In

When you are part of an emergency net, the net control station is the boss. Therefore, to minimize disruptions to an emergency traffic net once you have checked in, you should not transmit on the net frequency until asked to do so by the net control station.


Passing Emergency Messages

One of the major functions of participating in an emergency net is to pass emergency messages between organizations. However, when passing emergency messages, you should be sure to include the name of the person originating the message. This information is very important to emergency personnel.


Sensitive Emergency Traffic

Sometimes sensitive emergency traffic has to be passed over the air, and very often many people besides hams are listening. There are lots of scanners out there. Because of this, one way to reduce the chances of casual listeners overhearing sensitive emergency traffic is to pass messages using a non-voice mode such as packet radio or Morse code.


The Net Control Station (NCS)

The net control station runs the emergency net, and all participants look to the NCS to be on top of everything. Therefore, it is most important for the net control station to have a strong and clear signal.


NCS and Emergency Traffic

If you have been paying attention so far, it should not surprise you that if someone breaks in with emergency traffic, the net control station should stop all net activity until the emergency has been handled.


Running an Emergency Net

Every ham should get some experience running a net. It may be a little scary at first, but running a net is not hard once you get the hang of it. And you never can tell when your skills as a NCS might be needed, so prepare yourself to step in when the need arises.

If a large scale emergency has just occurred and no net control station is available, you should open the emergency net immediately and ask for check-ins.


Traffic Nets

One of the earliest activities of amateur radio was passing messages for others by means of Morse code. The the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the most well-know amateur radio organization today, was originally formed to better organize traffic handling. Even in today’s age of email and instant messaging, hams still pass traffic using formal code and voice nets.


Formal Messages

Over the years, a formal message form has been developed to insure that messages passed by amateur radio are accurately passed from one station to another. For example, every formal message begins with a “preamble.” The preamble of a message is the information needed to track the message as it passes through the amateur radio traffic handling system.


Message Check – Word Count

The preamble (or header) of a formal message contains a “check” or word count. In reference to a message passed by amateur radio, the check is a count of the number of words in the message. This check is one way for a receiving operator to insure that the message was copied correctly.


Amateur Messages – 25 Words or Less

Unless there is a very good reason to exceed it, the recommended guideline for the maximum number of words to be included in the text of an emergency message is 25 words. That might not seem like a lot, but there are special “numbered messages” that you will learn about if you decide to become involved in a traffic net. These numbered messages, if used correctly, will convey a lot of information with very few words.


Check-Up Time!




T8C01

Which type of traffic has the highest priority?

A. Emergency traffic

B. Priority traffic

C. Health and welfare traffic

D. Routine traffic


T8C01 Answer - A

Emergency traffic ALWAYS takes priority over everything else.


T8C02

What type of messages should not be transmitted over amateur radio frequencies during emergencies?

A. Requests for supplies B. Personal information concerning victims

C. A schedule of relief operatorsD. Estimates of how much longer the emergency will last


T8C02 Answer - B

Bear in mind that there are lots of people listening to amateur operators using scanners or shortwave radios. For obvious reasons, you do not want personal information to go out over the air where it can be heard, and possibly be misused. No one wants to find out over the scanner that Uncle Joe has passed away!


T8C03What should you do to minimize disruptions to an emergency traffic net once you have checked in?

A. Whenever the net frequency is quiet, announce your call sign and location

B. Move 5 kHz away from the net's frequency and use high power to ask other hams to keep clear of the net frequency

C. Do not transmit on the net frequency until asked to do so by the net control station

D. Wait until the net frequency is quiet, then ask for any emergency traffic for your area


T8C03 Answer - C

Regardless of the type of net, the net control station (NCS) controls the net. Once you have checked in, you should always wait to be recognized by NCS.


T8C04

What is one thing that must be included when passing emergency messages?

A. The call signs of all the stations passing the message

B. The name of the person originating the message

C. A status report D. The message title


T8C04 Answer - B

By including the name of the person who initiated the emergency traffic, the message can be traced back to its source.


T8C05

What is one way to reduce the chances of casual listeners overhearing sensitive emergency traffic?

A. Pass messages using a non-voice mode such as packet radio or Morse code

B. Speak as rapidly as possible to reduce your on-air time

C. Spell out every word using phoneticsD. Restrict transmission of messages to the hours between midnight and 4:00 AM


T8C05 Answer - A

Of course, packet and Morse code can be received and decoded using software, and Morse can be copied by those who have learned the code. However, by using these, or other digital modes, you will be much more likely to avoid casual listeners than if you use voice.


T8C06

What is of primary importance for a net control station?

A. A dual-band transceiver

B. A network card

C. A strong and clear signal

D. The ability to speak several languages


T8C06 Answer - C

Of the choices given, the most important thing the NCS needs is the ability to be heard by all who wish to check into the net.


T8C07

What should the net control station do if someone breaks in with emergency traffic?

A. Ask them to wait until the roll has been called

B. Stop all net activity until the emergency has been handled

C. Ask the station to call the local police and then resume normal net activities

D. Ask them to move off your net frequency immediately


T8C07 Answer - B

Remember, emergency traffic ALWAYS has priority over all other communications!


T8C08What should you do if a large scale emergency has just occurred and no net control station is available?

A. Wait until the assigned net control station comes on the air and pass your traffic when called

B. Transmit a call for help and hope someone will hear you

C. Open the emergency net immediately and ask for check-ins

D. Listen to the local NOAA weather broadcast to find out how long the emergency will last


T8C08 Answer - C

New hams are often intimidated by the thought of being a net control station, but as soon as you get your Technician license, you should learn how to do it. It isn't all that hard, and you'll be ready to step up to the plate whenever the need arises.


T8C09

What is the preamble of a message?

A. The first paragraph of the message text

B. The message numberC. The priority handling indicator for the message

D. The information needed to track the message as it passes through the amateur radio traffic handling system


T8C09 Answer - D

Traffic nets handle formal messages via radio. Each message has a specific format, beginning with the preamble. The preamble contains important information needed by each operator to accurately track and pass the message.


T8C10

What is meant by the term "check" in reference to a message?

A. The check is a count of the number of words in the message

B. The check is the value of a money order attached to the message

C. The check is a list of stations that have relayed the message

D. The check is a box on the message form that tells you the message was received


T8C10 Answer - A

The "check" is a count of the number of words in a message. This allows a receiving operator to quickly verify that there are no missing words that could change the meaning of the message.


T8C11

What is the recommended guideline for the maximum number of words to be included in the text of an emergency message?

A. 10 words

B. 25 words

C. 50 words

D. 75 words


T8C11 Answer - B

Just like the old writing contests, you should say it in 25 words or less. However, there are a number of "shortcut" messages that will allow you to convey a lot of information in 25 words or less!


Eight Down, Two to Go!You’re Almost Done!

This concludes Study Guide # 3.

Once you are satisfied that you can answer 80% of the questions in this Sub-element, you

are ready to move on to Study Guide # 4.

release 1.0 – september 2006 1 formal declaration of communication emergency during natural...

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