PSAR 2023-24 Radio Operations PDF

Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Module 3 – Radio Operations Radio Equipment Radio Transmissions Radio protocols Incidents and emergencies Radio Maintenance Battery Charging ly General Information on Module 3 – Reflection questions 20 23 /2 4 Radio Equipment -s ea s...

Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Module 3 – Radio Operations Radio Equipment Radio Transmissions Radio protocols Incidents and emergencies Radio Maintenance Battery Charging ly General Information on Module 3 – Reflection questions 20 23 /2 4 Radio Equipment -s ea so n Radio communications provide a quick, simple and efficient means of obtaining the assistance, equipment or information needed during lifesaving operations. SLSA entities maintain a variety of radio systems, and additional local knowledge of basic operating procedures is an important supplement to this module. Radio Basics io n us e Frequency (bands) — frequency waves are divided into bands with conventional names. Common frequency bands in SLS are; very high frequency (VHF, 30 – 300 MHz) and ultrahigh frequency (UHF, 300 – 3000 MHz). SLS uses different frequency bands depending on coverage requirements. Each SLS state radio network may use a single or combination of frequency bands. pe tit The use of some frequency bands is for commercial use only and requires a licence from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Using unlicensed or incorrect frequencies may result in penalties. C om Analogue radio — analogue radio transmits radio waves in amplitude modulation (‘AM’) or frequency modulation (‘FM’) by a signal. Older SLS radio networks and VHF marine radio use analogue radio technology. Digital radio — digital radio provides greater voice clarity and eliminates unwanted background noise. Most SLS and government radio networks use digital radio technologies. Digital radio networks also support other functionality like GPS tracking. Channel — a channel is a frequency (either simplex or duplex) programmed into a radio that is used by SLS or other agencies to communicate with each other. Each SLS branch or state centre may have different channel configurations. Simple Simplex x channel — a simplex channel sends information in one direction at a time, and may (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 79 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en 20 23 /2 4 on ly be reversible. The transmitter and receiver are operating on a single (or the same) frequency. You cannot transmit and receive radio transmissions simultaneously on a simplex channel. Simplex channels are limited to line-of-sight communications. Simplex communication -s ea so n Duple Duplex x channel — a duplex channel uses a pair of frequencies consisting of one to receive and another to transmit. Duplex channels are used mainly as repeater channels and cannot be used for simplex or direct communications. C om pe tit io n us e Repeaters — repeaters receive transmissions on one frequency and transmit on another (or second frequency). They are fixed transceivers that receive line-of-sight signals and transmit them to broaden the radio coverage. Generally speaking, the higher up a repeater is located (e.g., on a hill), the further a message can be re-transmitted. Duplex communication Network — a radio network is a number of fixed and mobile repeaters linked together to cover a larger area. A network may service a SLS branch, geographic region or even an entire state. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 80 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Station — a station relates to the call sign of a particular radio user, group of users or SLS entity. Check your SLS state centre SOPs regarding the specific radios, radio network and channels used at your surf lifesaving club or service. Types of Radios The common types of radio equipment used are: us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly portable radios — an all-in-one radio with antenna, speaker, microphone and battery. Portable radios may be carried by hand, clipped on to clothing, or secured in a waterproof pouch or harness. Portable radios are often low power transmissions and have less coverage than a mobile radio. C om pe tit io n mobile radios — usually mounted in a radio room or a vehicle. They are capable of sending more powerful transmissions and have larger external antennas. They may work in areas where a portable radio does not work and are often referred to as ‘base sets’. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 81 of 479 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en 20 23 Your Radio -s ea so n You will need to become familiar with the radio units used in your local lifesaving club or service. Make sure you can identify the following: antenna battery or power supply indicator us e channel selector inbuilt microphone (or speaker microphone) io n on/off switch ‘press to talk’ (PTT) button C om pe tit volume control. Some radios may have additional features such as: (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 82 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en dual watch (ability to monitor two channels) keypad lock roaming (automatically select the strongest repeater) scan. It is vitally important that you protect radio equipment from water, sand, heat, shock (drop/ impact) and theft. Refer to your local SOPs for procedures on how to protect your lifesaving club or service’s radio. om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Surf Life Saving Communication Centre C Each SLS state centre has a surf lifesaving communication centre. These vary in name depending on your location and examples include SurfCom, State Operations Centre and LSV Comms. The main roles of these communication centres are to: assist with the coordination of major incidents when several lifesaving services are involved gather and record operational information liaise with other emergency services provide general information to all lifesaving services. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 83 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en These communication centres can be contacted by using your local radio network or by telephone. Check your SLS state centre SOPs regarding your communication centre. For simplicity in this manual, SurfCom is used to refer to a surf lifesaving communication centre. SurfCom communications may be recorded as accurate recordings of all actions and orders is essential to: ensure accountability for the exercise of authority and the use of resources ly facilitate investigations (including coronial and criminal) on maximising learning through debriefing and subsequent training. /2 4 Radio Transmissions 20 23 Radios need to be operating on the same channel for communication to occur. Radio Technique C om pe tit io n us e Good radio technique -s ea so n Only one radio operator can transmit on a channel at a time, so you will need to take it in turns speaking in order for messages to be transmitted and received effectively. ✓ DO (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 84 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en ensure that the channel is not in use before transmitting your message ensure the antenna of the portable radio is as vertical as possible at all times (always point it to the sky) hold the portable radio, or the microphone from a mobile radio, approximately 10cm from your mouth and to the side press and hold the PTT button for 2 seconds before speaking clearly to transmit your message release the PTT button once you have finished your message shield the microphone when talking in high noise and windy areas ly ensure you are clear of obstructions that may block your radio signal, e.g., thick concrete walls or sand dunes 20 23 speak as if you were talking to someone next to you /2 4 on remain stationary when transmitting if possible, as running to an incident while trying to transmit can make it difficult for other stations to understand your message think about radio procedures before transmitting as well as what you are going to say, e.g., include call signs, prowords and other radio terminology wherever possible. pe tit io n us e -s ea so n Poor radio technique C om ✖ DO NOT hold the radio like a mobile phone as you will not be speaking into the microphone yell into the radio even if there is a lot of noise around as this may cause distortion and make your message unintelligible. carry a radio by the antenna or touch the antenna while the radio is in operation expect an immediate reply from a powercraft operator if they are in the surf zone or performing a rescue press the PTT button when another station is transmitting, as you may interfere with that transmission (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 85 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Interruptions to transmissions A radio network may become unavailable for a number of reasons, including power failure or faulty equipment. If you’re unsure about your radio’s operation, you may use the following troubleshooting checklist: ✓ DO Check that the radio is switched on and the correct channel is selected. Change locations and try again. 20 23 /2 Report the issue to your patrol captain if the problem persists. 4 on ly Perform a radio check to ensure that the problem is not isolated to your radio (see Radio checks). As a backup, phones may be used to contact SurfCom and other lifesaving or emergency services. -s ea so n Prowords C om pe tit io n us e You may hear or use procedural words (‘prowords’) when operating a radio. Prowords are a single word or phrase with a common meaning and provide a quick and simple way to keep transmissions short. Prowords should be used where possible. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 86 of 479 C om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en The NATO phonetic alphabet The NATO phonetic alphabet is an internationally agreed system for pronouncing letters and numbers in a radio transmission. Letters are pronounced as a word and numbers are pronounced individually. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 87 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en C om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Phonetics are a useful tool for ensuring clear communication on a radio and spelling out words or codes. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 88 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Call signs C om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Call signs uniquely identify each station on a radio network. A number of standard call signs exist. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 89 of 479 -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en us e Other call signs may be used in your local area, e.g., DO #, Surf Rescue #, Westpac #, PC. Check your local SOPs for more information on call signs used in your area. pe tit io n You should start your initial transmission by using the call sign of the station you want to contact, twice, followed by your call sign. It is imperative to wait for a reply to confirm that communication is established before continuing with any message. You may not need to use your call sign for each transmission after you have established communication with the desired party. C om Example radio calls at Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club: (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 90 of 479 C om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Radio protocols Signing on Radio checks (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 91 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en During patrol Signing off io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Signing on pe tit Your SLS state centre may require you to sign on with SurfCom at the start of patrol over the radio network, SLSA Operations App (Apple Store or Google Play) or Lifesaving Incident om Management System and Operations Control (LIMSOC). Check your SLS state centre SOPs regarding the method of sign on. C Possible information required for sign on includes: Beach status—open or closed IRB status—operational or not Patrol status—number of patrolling members. Note: Provide a reason if the beach is closed, e.g., dangerous surf, carnival, marine stingers. Radio checks Radio checks are the simplest form of radio transmission and are the quickest way of (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 92 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en checking that your radio equipment is functioning correctly. Carry out a radio check between your surf lifesaving club and SurfCom only if you feel your equipment is faulty. C om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Example radio check During patrol You should be aware that many people monitor radio channels so you should be careful when communicating details about incidents, victims and their injuries. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 93 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en ✖ DO NOT declare a victim as deceased over the radio provide personal information such as phone numbers. use bad language/profanity use personal names unless absolutely necessary use radios for social conversation. on ly Signing off Incidents and emergencies Incident procedures Emergency call -s ea so n Emergency call 20 23 /2 4 Your SLS state centre may require you to sign off with SurfCom at the end of patrol over the radio network, SLS Patrol Operations App or LIMSOC. Check your SLS state centre SOPs regarding the method of sign off. C om pe tit io n us e Where a patrol requires urgent assistance for a life-threatening incident or any incident outside of the patrol capabilities (e.g., mass rescue), the correct radio procedure to clear a channel is to call ‘Rescue, Rescue, Rescue’. For example: (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 94 of 479 -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en us e Any rescue or life-threatening incident should be communicated to your SLS state centre communication centre. They can assist you by calling the most appropriate rescue services and recording key information. It is important that you follow any directions they provide. io n At the conclusion of the life-threatening incident, your SLS state centre communication centre will advise ‘All stations’ that the incident has finished, and normal patrol operations may recommence on that radio channel. pe tit Incident procedures om For any incident, you should use the ‘4 Ps’ to pass on accurate information. C When describing your position, use the correct name of the beach/location and/or cross street. Local ‘slang’ names should be avoided. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 95 of 479 C om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 96 of 479 pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en om Radio Maintenance C To maintain maximum operating efficiency of radio equipment, and to prolong service life, all equipment should be regularly maintained and serviced annually, as well as checked prior to, and after, its use. Maintenance of radios used at your surf lifesaving club should follow your SLS state centre SOPs. After use, radio bags, cases and harnesses should be rinsed lightly with fresh water to remove salt water and sand, then air-dried. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 97 of 479 -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en io n us e Immediately follow the manufacturer’s recommendations if your radio shows physical signs of damage after it has been dropped or immersed in water. Then advise your patrol captain of your actions. Damaged radio equipment should be tagged as faulty and taken to an approved radio repairer or service agent as soon as possible. pe tit Battery Charging om Most surf lifesaving clubs and services have portable radio chargers set up so that radio battery charging is easy and convenient. C Radio batteries should always be fully charged for the next patrol duty or lifesaving operation. A radio with a low or a flat battery may emit a warning beep or turn off when trying to transmit. Turn this radio off and put it on to charge immediately, ensuring that the charge light is on. The charging of radios used at your surf lifesaving club should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and your local SOPs. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 98 of 479 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en /2 4 General Information 20 23 Many radio networks are automatically voice-recorded. Always follow radio procedures and use the correct call signs. Most radios are fitted with an identification number (‘IN’) to uniquely identify a transmitting radio. -s ea so n Radios should not be used in thunderstorms except when there is an emergency. There are many SLS clubs and support operations that have VHF marine radios. Strict laws apply to the operation of VHF marine radios and only those holding the appropriate qualifications should operate them to avoid penalties outlined in The Radiocommunications Act 1992. us e Where possible, use simplex channels for SLS club-specific transmissions such as water safety, training or carnivals. Refer to your local SOPs. io n Module 3 – Reflection questions pe tit You are now ready to attempt the eLearning component of your course for this module. You can access the eLearning through the SLS Members Area. C om You should also test your knowledge by reading through the following reflection questions. If you find yourself answering ‘no’ or ‘not sure’ to any of them, you may wish to speak with your trainer for clarification. 1. Do you understand how radios work, including the purpose of channels, repeaters and networks? 2. Are you confident in your knowledge of Surf Life Saving’s prowords? 3. Are you confident in your ability to use call prowords, call signs and the 4 Ps to communicate over the radio? 4. Would you know what to do if your radio is dropped into water, or shows signs of physical damage? (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 99 of 479