{"id":6709,"date":"2016-09-23T19:25:09","date_gmt":"2016-09-24T02:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/w6sg.net\/site\/?page_id=6709"},"modified":"2017-02-26T12:49:10","modified_gmt":"2017-02-26T19:49:10","slug":"faq-volunteers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/w6sg.net\/site\/public-service\/frequently-asked-questions\/faq-volunteers\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ – Volunteers, Communications Protocols, Tip Sheet"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Q – What is a public service event?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A – Ham radio operators provide volunteer communications support for various activities, including foot races, hikes,\u00a0bicycle rides, fairs, parades, and other public gatherings, to\u00a0supplement the communications available for an event, in the interest of the safety of the participants and persons staffing the event, or in the interest of the safety of the general public;<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 and to practice our communications skills.<\/p>\n

Q – Do all events qualify for MARS support?<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>\u00a0 A – The Marin Amateur Radio Society\u00a0chooses to provide support\u00a0for events run by,\u00a0or benefiting,\u00a0local community-based non-profit organizations, and where our communications skills\u00a0and equipment\u00a0will be put to good use.\u00a0 The guidelines\u00a0we use\u00a0in choosing\u00a0an event to support, are based on existing commitments, the dates and times requested, our ability to recruit sufficient volunteers to serve the event,\u00a0a review of the\u00a0sponsoring organization,\u00a0our assessment of\u00a0the need for communications\u00a0to promote\u00a0the safety of the participants, the public,\u00a0and the event staff,\u00a0and with regard for FCC Part 97<\/a> Rules. \u00a0(Generally, hams should avoid using Amateur Radio in support of events, where the organizer has a monetary interest. This includes “Good Causes”. See the FCC Part 97<\/a> Rules. [97.113(a)(5)]\u00a0editor.<\/em>)<\/p>\n

Some deserving events\u00a0are not\u00a0served<\/b>,<\/span> either due to conflicting dates with other established commitments or other amateur radio events, \u00a0a lack of available volunteer operators, because our small club does not have enough time to recruit volunteers, because our schedule is already full, because\u00a0an event or the sponsoring organization does not\u00a0fall within our established guidelines or FCC Rules for radio support; or because the event\u00a0falls outside our coverage area.\u00a0Marin ARS\u00a0reserves the right to reject any request for communications support for any reason.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Q – I’ve never done this before, do I need any special training?<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A – We hold\u00a0 an orientation session<\/a> at the beginning of the public service season, for new people, and returning volunteers.\u00a0 Normally, new people are partnered with an experienced ham.\u00a0We plan to hold an on-the-air briefing before events. Review the communications protocols below. Familiarity with controlled net operations and the Incident Command System are plusses. We encourage volunteers to serve at Net Control to learn.<\/p>\n

Q – What equipment do I need?<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 A – That depends on the event, and your assignment.\u00a0 It can be as simple as a handheld and a spare battery.\u00a0 Some locations require a high power mobile and a gain antenna.\u00a0We have created location pages for most of the commonly staffed areas on an event, with recommended equipment to staff the station. You should let the organizer of the event know what your communications capabilities are.<\/p>\n

Q – May\u00a0I accept payment?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 A – With limited exceptions, FCC Part 97<\/a> Rules prohibit<\/strong> amateurs from being compensated for using amateur radio, or\u00a0for using amateur radio for anyone’s business use.\u00a0 If an event organizer offers payment, it should be politely refused.\u00a0 However, if an event organizer provides\u00a0food for all volunteers, you may accept;\u00a0or provides\u00a0a uniform for\u00a0volunteer staff (t-shirt or hat), you\u00a0may wear that to identify you as part of the event staff (they usually don’t want them back after the event). Hams who volunteer to perform other functions<\/strong> for an event, such as driving a sag or patrol\u00a0vehicle, may be reimbursed for expenses related to the non-radio volunteer duties, if offered.<\/p>\n

Q – What about donations to clubs?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 A – Most clubs can accept donations, as long as there is an understanding that the donation is made to the club in general, and not as a payment for providing services at an event.\u00a0 The Marin ARS has built relationships with many of the community organizations who run the events we serve.\u00a0 Some make a donation, some do not.\u00a0 But we have chosen events that we\u00a0serve, based on the need for communications\u00a0to promote\u00a0the safety of the participants and staff, and to serve our community. ( Of course, it costs us to keep up the equipment, so donations to the club\u00a0are welcomed. editor<\/em>.)<\/p>\n

Q – What should I expect?<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 A – Events differ in character as much as people do.\u00a0 However, you are acting as a volunteer communicator. And your assignment from us will be to communicate.\u00a0 Most event communications are\u00a0operated as directed nets. Review the communications protocols below. Please arrive at your assigned location, and be set up,\u00a0by your assigned time. Check in with Net Control. Check out with Net Control at the end of your assignment.\u00a0See more specifics below:<\/p>\n

Fixed Locations:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 (Aid Stations or Check Points) \u00a0Please arrive at your assigned location by your assigned time, and set up your equipment.\u00a0 Check in with the person in charge of your location and identify yourself as the radio person.\u00a0Check in with Net Control on your assigned frequency.\u00a0 Pass messages to Net Control as needed. Monitor for traffic from Net Control.\u00a0 Typical\u00a0messages might\u00a0include arrival of the first\u00a0event participants, supply requests, participants who drop out, transportation requests,\u00a0arrival of the last participants, etc.\u00a0At the end of your shift, or when your assigned location closes, check out with Net Control.\u00a0 In events with sweeps, the radio volunteer normally waits for the final\u00a0sweep to be sure that no participant is left unattended. (Sometimes volunteers assigned by the organizer, happen to also be hams. If so, please let us know, so we can include you in the roster and inform you of the frequencies used to support the event.)<\/p>\n

Course Monitor<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/span> Sometimes we are assigned to locations, where\u00a0we monitor the progress of participants, without any additional event volunteer support.\u00a0\u00a0Please arrive at your assigned location by your assigned time, and set up your equipment.\u00a0Check in with Net Control on your assigned frequency.\u00a0 Pass messages to Net Control as needed. Monitor for traffic from Net Control.\u00a0Typical\u00a0messages might\u00a0include arrival of the first\u00a0event participants, supply requests, participants who drop out, transportation requests,\u00a0arrival of the last participants, etc. At the end of your shift, or when your assigned location closes, check out with Net Control.\u00a0 In events with sweeps, the radio volunteer normally waits for the sweep to be sure that no participant is left unattended. (Sometimes Course Monitor volunteers assigned by the organizer, happen to also be hams. If so, please let us know, so we can include you in the roster and inform you of the frequencies used to support the event.)<\/p>\n

Event Radio Trail Sweep Communicator :<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 Some trail events and some bike events\u00a0have\u00a0one or more\u00a0willing hams hike or ride with the event sweep. These special\u00a0volunteers provide communications for the sweep safety team,\u00a0the event sweeps\u00a0make sure that the last participants in an event are safe and accounted for. Please arrive at your assigned location by your assigned time. Check in with Net Control periodically, and as necessary. Check in\u00a0with the ham radio volunteer at\u00a0all fixed location and course monitor locations.\u00a0Carry an extra battery. Check out with Net Control at the end of your assignment.<\/p>\n

Event Radio Trail Hiker\/Bike:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 Some trail events and some bike events\u00a0have\u00a0one or more\u00a0willing hams hike or ride independently to\u00a0patrol the course. These special\u00a0volunteers independently patrol the course to assure participants in an event are safe\u00a0or accounted for. They report any issues that they come upon.\u00a0\u00a0Please arrive at your assigned location by your assigned time. Check in with Net Control periodically, and as necessary. Check in\u00a0with the ham radio volunteer at\u00a0all fixed location and course monitor locations.\u00a0Carry an extra battery. Check out with Net Control at the end of your assignment.<\/p>\n

Radio Sag Communicator:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 These volunteers ride with a sag vehicle to provide on-the- course communications for bicycle events. Please arrive at your assigned location by your assigned time,\u00a0set up your radio equipment in your assigned vehicle,\u00a0and check in with Net Control.\u00a0 Check in\u00a0with the ham radio volunteer at\u00a0all fixed location and course monitor locations. Some sags or patrols carry APRS tracking units. Check out with Net Control at the end of your assignment.<\/p>\n

Radio Equipped SAG or Patrol:<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong> These hams also volunteer to drive as support vehicles for bicycle rides, provide assistance to participants, provide on-the-course communications for bicycle events, and monitor the progress and safety\u00a0of riders.\u00a0 Some sag vehicles act as event course sweeps,\u00a0escorting in the final riders. Some sags or patrols carry APRS tracking units.\u00a0\u00a0Please arrive at your assigned location by your assigned time, and check in with Net Control. Check in\u00a0with the ham radio volunteer at\u00a0all fixed location and course monitor locations. Check out with Net Control at the end of your assignment.\u00a0\u00a0 SAGs<\/strong><\/span> (support\u00a0and gear) have the capability to transport riders and bicycles. Patrols<\/strong> <\/span>( including motorcycles) lack the capacity to carry bicycles and\/or passengers.\u00a0 Hams who volunteer to perform\u00a0sag or patrol\u00a0functions for an event,\u00a0may be reimbursed for expenses (gas)\u00a0related to their non-radio volunteer duties, if offered.<\/p>\n

Net Control:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Net Control volunteers coordinate\u00a0the\u00a0radio traffic, interface with the event organizers, and generally provide information and direction to\u00a0radio volunteers in the field.\u00a0 Net Control stations may have more than one frequency in operation at the same time.\u00a0 On some events, where APRS units are in use, one Net Control operator may be assigned to monitor APRS equipped units.<\/p>\n

General:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 Dress for the expected weather.\u00a0 Bring snacks and water \/ beverages.\u00a0 Remember sunscreen, a hat,\u00a0paper and pencil, your radio,\u00a0a spare battery, etc.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Communications Protocols:<\/span><\/h4>\n

EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ALWAYS HAS PRIORITY!\u00a0<\/strong><\/span> All stations not involved with the emergency\u00a0need to stand by, until the emergency traffic has been handled.\u00a0 ( Unless there is another emergency.)\u00a0 When breaking in with an emergency, say “Emergency”.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most event communications are done in a controlled net format.\u00a0 Stations direct their communications to Net Control, and get\u00a0traffic from Net Control.\u00a0Please refer to the event\u00a0radio frequency plan for your assigned frequency for your location or assignment. Please check in with Net Control at the beginning of your assignment, and check out of the net at the end of your assignment.\u00a0 If you need to be away from your radio to attend to something, please notify Net Control when you leave, and when you return. (Please remember that Net Control may need to monitor several frequency channels and\/or interface with the organizers or participants. Net Control may need to prioritize traffic. [See examples below.] Please be patient.)<\/p>\n

We use tactical identifiers when passing traffic.\u00a0(” Net Control this is Muir Beach.”)\u00a0Please listen for, and respond to,\u00a0traffic directed to your tactical identifier.\u00a0 Please use your tactical identifier when directing traffic to Net Control, or other stations on the event net.\u00a0 We use our tactical identifier, plus our\u00a0FCC callsigns at the end of an exchange to indicate that we have no further traffic to pass\u00a0(or our callsigns\u00a0every 10 minutes for a long conversation).\u00a0(“Muir Beach, KA6BQF)\u00a0Follow FCC Part 97<\/a> Rules.<\/p>\n

Use plain language.\u00a0 Other than our tactical identification, please speak you message in normal language.\u00a0 Please keep your voice calm, even when you may not be.\u00a0 Refer to participants by participant number, please respect their privacy.\u00a0 (Remember, some one may be listening.)<\/p>\n

Listen before transmitting.\u00a0 Think, then push to talk, then talk.\u00a0 Compose your message (in your head, or on paper),\u00a0before keying the microphone.\u00a0 Pause a second or two after keying the microphone to allow the repeater system components to activate.\u00a0 Wait for the squelch tail(s) to drop before beginning a reply\u00a0transmission (and a second or more to allow for breaking stations with urgent traffic).\u00a0 (Sometimes when we have remote bases or cross band links in use, there are several squelch tails that need to drop.)<\/p>\n

Typical\u00a0messages that you would send\u00a0might\u00a0include arrival of the first\u00a0event participants, supply requests, participants who drop out, transportation requests,\u00a0arrival of the last participants, etc.<\/p>\n

Follow FCC Part 97<\/a> rules, and direction from Net Control.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Traffic priority (examples):<\/span><\/h4>\n

EMERGENCY<\/strong> – Accident with injuries, injury to participant, injury to volunteer, immediate threat (drunk or threating driver)<\/p>\n

PRIORITY<\/strong> – Accident without injuries, lost participant, mechanical breakdown on course, safety hazard, potential threat, ill participant<\/p>\n

HIGH<\/strong> – Running out of water, supplies did not arrive before check point opened, minor injury (can be handled by first aid), participant requesting transportation from course,\u00a0 first participants arrival<\/p>\n

MEDIUM<\/strong> – Supplies running low, participant requesting transportation from check point, course marking mistake (that cannot be field corrected), request for more volunteers, weather changes that affect participants, last participant location<\/p>\n

LOW<\/strong> – Requests late in the event that are\u00a0logistically impractical,\u00a0participant progress requests.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tips for good communication practice \u00a0(By Michael Fischer, K6MLF)
\nMarin Amateur Radio Society<\/strong>
\nPublic Service Events<\/strong><\/h4>\n

September 2016 <\/strong>
\nOperating tips:<\/strong><\/span>
\n1. Listen, listen, listen and learn from the tempo, protocol, and style of other operators. If possible, monitor another event prior to the event for which you are volunteering.
\n2. Think of what you are going to say before pressing PTT. Then keep it short; no rambling.
\n3. If it doesn’t need saying, don’t.
\n4. Keep your voice calm–even if you are not.
\n5. Press PTT, wait a second before saying anything. (to allow radio system links to activate)
\n6. Say the station you are calling first, then give your tactical call.
\n7. Use tactical calls, not your FCC callsign, until the closing.
\n8. No need to repeat the calls each time during a multi-exchange conversation.
\n9. Wait two counts before pressing PTT on each exchange (avoid tailgating in order to allow breakers.)
\n10. If you have urgent traffic, take advantage of those spaces to call “priority;” then wait for net control to say, “Go ahead, priority traffic”
\n11. When finished with traffic in a conversation, then use your callsign in place of, or in addition to, “clear” or “out.”
\n12. When you hear that final signoff, and you have been waiting to contact net control–that’s your time to make a call. Do not interrupt a conversation in progress unless you have more urgent traffic.
\n13. Keep a paper log of your contacts with net control; s\/he may later ask something like, “What time did the first sweep transit your rest stop?”
\n14. When reporting an injury, never use the name of an injured party in order to protect their privacy; use bib numbers or other descriptors.
\n15. In a controlled net, all traffic should go to (or through) net control; you may “go direct” to another rest stop only after receiving permission from net control to do so.
\n16. Use common English; avoid the use of “Q” codes.
\n17. Common “pro-words” are fine: “I say again,” “I spell,” “all after,” “figures,” “number-letter group,” “roger,” “correction,” “go ahead,” etc.
\n18. If using an HT: face the repeater input, hold the antenna vertical, don’t move your head while transmitting. During initial checkin at the beginning of the event, check your copy with net control to find your best “hot spot.”
\n19. Never turn your radio off, or volume down, to deal with a situation w\/o telling net control that you will be away from the net and receiving permission to do so; check back in when you return to the net.
\nMake yourself known and available:<\/strong>
\n20. Always introduce yourself to the rest stop captain (and medical crew if present) at the beginning of your shift; make a note of his\/her\/their name(s) for your after-action report.
\n21. Set up your position at the rest stop so that you can stay informed while staying out of the way. In many cases, this will be close to the rest stop captain or the medical crew. If that is not possible, or if the captain is a roamer, take a set of GMRS radios so that you and s\/he are able to contact each other quickly.
\n22. At the same time, your operating position should be in a relatively quiet location, away from cheering crowds, rock bands, announcement speakers.
\n23. Make sure the captain knows to require the organization’s sweepers to check in with you when they enter the rest stop, and to again check in with you when they depart the rest stop. You would report both times to net control.
\n24. If you are stationed at net control, there is to be total silence while the net control operator is passing traffic. Any chatting that might happen during a lull is to immediately cease.
\n25. Arrive at your duty assignment prepared to be self-supporting: food, water, sunscreen, a chair, warm clothing, extra batteries, etc.
\n26. An after-action report, together with photos, is part of your assignment; make notes to yourself during the event in preparation for your report.<\/p>\n

Examples of different priority messages<\/strong>
\n27. EMERGENCY – Accident with injuries, injury to participant, injury to volunteer, immediate threat (drunk or threatening driver).
\n28. PRIORITY – Accident without injuries, lost participant, mechanical breakdown on course, safety hazard, potential threat, ill participant.
\n29. HIGH – Running out of water, supplies did not arrive before check point opened, minor injury (can be handled by first aid), participant requesting transportation from course, first participants arrival.
\n30. MEDIUM – Supplies running low, participant requesting transportation from check point, course marking mistake (that cannot be field corrected), request for more volunteers, weather changes that affect participants, last participant location.
\n31. LOW – Requests late in the event that are logistically impractical, participant progress requests.
\n2016_MOA_RACES_Field Operations Guide (1)<\/a>
\nUpdated: 02\/26\/2017<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Q – What is a public service event?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A – Ham radio operators provide volunteer communications support for various activities, including foot races, hikes,\u00a0bicycle rides, fairs, parades, and other public gatherings, to\u00a0supplement the communications available for an event, in the…<\/span><\/p>\n

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