RADIO COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) owns and operates its own wide-area digital radio network to enable instant communication between all of its operational personnel. SLSQ maintains coverage from Port Douglas in North Queensland to Point Danger on the Gold Coast.

PURPOSE
To outline club/service radio communications requirements for lifesaving operations in QLD

POLICY STATEMENT
All clubs/services/branches shall meet the SLSQ radio/communication requirements when undertaking lifesaving operations, including:
− SLSQ approved radio equipment (types/models)
− SLSQ approved radio frequencies (channels)
− Coordinating through SLSQ approved SurfCom’s

• All SLS clubs/services/branches shall utilise and operate within the SLSQ approved radio network. No service shall undertake lifesaving operations on alternative networks or establish their own alternative radio communications networks unless authorised by SLSQ.
• All Surf Life Saving clubs/services in QLD shall utilise an SLSQ endorsed SurfCom communications/coordination centre for lifesaving operations. No Surf Life Saving service shall implement their own ‘SurfCom type’ entity without the authorisation of SLSQ.
• SLSQ radio frequencies are licensed and managed by SLSQ. No Surf Life Saving service in QLD shall apply for or implement frequencies through the ACMA for lifesaving operations outside of the SLSQ frequency plan.
• All SLSQ radios shall be serviced regularly by a licensed and SLSQ endorsed technician/service agent.
• Only SLSQ approved, licensed agents/service technicians may service or program SLS radios.
• All services must be contactable via radio if conducting lifesaving operations within regular patrol areas.
• All SLSQ radios must meet the minimum SLSQ radio specifications as outlined in this document.
• Only approved club/service officers/personnel (current members/lifeguards/staff) shall utilise and operate lifesaving radio equipment and monitor lifesaving frequencies. External partner agencies/stakeholders shall require written permission to hold, use or monitor SLSQ radio frequencies.