3.4 Using Radios

VERSION 1.0 – DECEMBER 2023

Purpose: To provide procedures and guidelines for the use of the SLSQ radio communications network by SLSQ staff and volunteers to ensure effective and efficient responses to, and management of incidents.

Scope: This procedure applies to all SLSQ network users who are required to use the SLSQ radio communications network.

1. User Proficiency
   1.1 All SLSQ network users must adhere to the highest level of professionalism while accessing the network.
   1.2 Policies and procedures must not be compromised, and ethical conduct and standards of work and performance expected of staff and volunteers are documented in the SLSQ Policy ## – Code of Conduct.

2. Radio Communications
   2.1 The Australian Communications Authority must license every radio system. The Radio Communications Act 1992 (CT) requires competent operators to control a licensed radio system. All users must be competent in the use of radio equipment they are transmitting on.
   2.2 Identification of the radio communications network user must occur with every radio transmission and is to be used by both base and SLSQ services. For multiple transmissions relating to a specific exchange of messages, the base station callsign can be deleted once the initial contact has been made and acknowledged.
   2.3 SurfCom will acknowledge every voice message transmitted by all SLSQ services. A voice message must not be considered transmitted until it has been acknowledged by SurfCom.
   2.4 The use of standard procedures ensures brevity, accuracy, speed, and simplicity. Non-essential remarks, unnecessary conversations, and all profane or obscene words are forbidden.
   2.5 Information of a sensitive or potentially controversial nature is to be relayed to, or from SurfCom by mobile telephone, landline, or email. This does not apply to distress, urgency, or safety messages.
   2.6 Operators must assist operational crews with channel selection, particularly if there is a requirement to move out of their local operating area.
   2.7 Do not interrupt, unless initiating a ‘Priority 1.’ Wait until the transmission has been acknowledged before transmitting again. Talking over other transmissions will usually result in neither transmission being received.

3. Responsibilities:
   3.1 All SLSQ network users are responsible for adhering to this procedure.
   3.2 SLSQ management is responsible for ensuring that all SLSQ network users are aware of and trained in this procedure.