PURPOSE
To outline SLSQ parameters of radio use in lifesaving operations.
POLICY STATEMENT
Use of radio codes is not mandatory for lifesaving operations, but if used, shall adhere to the following.
PROCEDURE
• Users must utilise prowords wherever possible, keeping transmissions concise.
• If in any doubt, services/personnel should always revert to standard English (clear and concise sentences).
| Code | Meaning | Further Explanation |
| Rescue Rescue Rescue | Prefix for emergency transmissions to indicate urgency + callsign | Should prefix every initial ‘Priority 1’ emergency call to notify/request support. i.e from lifesaver to patrol base/patrol captain or from club to SurfCom. |
| Break | Grouping transmissions together | ‘Break’ can be used to group different transmissions together. |
| No Duff | A real incident underway during a training exercise | The term ‘NO DUFF’ is used when a real incident is occurring during a training exercise or simulated event. Every transmission after “No Duff” is treated as legit. E.g. “No Duff No Duff No Duff, SurfCom, Moore Park Patrol” |
| Priority 1 | Urgent task | Proceed to tasking at the maximum safe haste – usually involves life-threatening situation/rescue or serious injuries or several patients. |
| Priority 2 | Non-urgent task | Procced to a tasking promptly and directly, obeying any transport rules. |
| Priority 3 | Routine task | Specific task but is not considered urgent. Make you way to the tasking when able. |
PROWORDS
| PROWORD | MEANING |
| GO AHEAD | Proceed with the transmission of your message |
| STAND BY | Please wait until I can call you back. Other stations may transmit |
| ROGER | I have received and understood all of your last transmission |
| WILCO | Your last message has been received, understood and will be complied with. |
| SAY AGAIN | I missed part of your last transmission. Transmit it again. |
| CORRECTION | An error has been made; the correct version is … |
| AFFIRMATIVE | Yes or permission is granted |
| NEGATIVE | No or permission is not granted |
| OVER | I have finished my message and expect a reply (Used only in poor comms) |
| OUT | I don’t expect a reply. (Used only in poor comms) |
| BREAK | I have finished a conversation am calling another without breaking my transmission. |
Duress Alarms
• Radio Duress should be activated when members are in immediate danger or seek urgent assistance in an endangering situation or when members feel threatened or unsafe by interacting with the public.
• All members should feel assured that an appropriate response will be triggered in their activating a duress alarm.
• Members must not advise all clear unless they can visibly see that the associated radio members are safe.
• All duress alarms should be treated as legitimate until demonstrated false.
General Rules
• Do not transmit personal information over the network
• Do not use the radio for social conversation
• Listen before transmitting, ensure you do not cut off higher priority messages
• Never use poor language/profanities
• Cease comms when told to standy unless urgent
Chanel Usage
• Members should remain contactable on repeater channels whenever on patrol.
• Roving services should remain on repeater channels, especially when out of site of the Patrol.
• If a patrolling member wishes to talk in depth about a local issues they may switch to a local (simplex) or chat channel. Once the conversation is completed they will switch back to the repeater channel.
REFERENCE
Radio Guide
Channel Guide
Training Exercises
Surfcom must be notified via phone before conducting exercise over live radio channels.
Training Exercises must be prefixed with:
All Stations, please be advised we will be conducting a training exercise located at [Location]. This is estimated to last approximately ten minutes.
Training exercises must be finalised with the following transmission:
All Stations, be advised the training exercise at [Location] is now complete.
If simulating a serious scenario please transmit “Practise, Practise, Practise” before starting scenario.
Example: Practise, Practise, Practise – SurfCom this is Burleigh Patrol we have a …
NOTE: If you require assistance during the training exercise, use the term “No Duff” this tells SurfCom that there is a real incident occurring during a training exercise.
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