The most important part of radio traffic is figuring out what you want to say before you start transmitting. Take a moment and ask yourself the following:
Once you have done this (consider writing it down if this helps), you're ready to make a call.
There are five key steps to making an effective radio call:
Think | Listen | Push | Pause | Talk
Before you can get to a request, you need to establish a connection with the person you need to contact. To do this, we use the following:
“(Destination), (Destination), this is (Source)”
Some examples:
Make sure you call for roles, not people where possible.
Once you have sent a call requesting a conversation, wait to hear a reply. If they don't answer, try again in about 20-30 seconds.
Typically the reply will be the following:
“Go for (Destination)”
or
“(Source), Go”
or
“(Source), this is (Destination)”
In either case, the destination of the call is telling you they are ready for your message.
Sometimes the reply will be “Stand By for (Destination)”. This means that the person you are trying to call is busy. In this case, they will call you back when they are free.
State what you need, where you are, and any other pertinent details.
Nobody on the radio can transmit at the same time as you. Therefore, it's important that messages are as short as possible. If you need to have a longer conversation, ask for a face to face.
To get the maximum information across in the shortest possible time, use the XYZ format:
“I need (X resource) at (Y location) for (Z reason)”
Examples:
Radio transmissions are considered public speech. Anyone could overhear a conversation.
A general rule is that we don’t say anything on the radio that we wouldn’t want to see on the front page of the newspaper the next day. That said, whenever possible we use plain English to improve the clarity of our communications.
If you're in doubt, ask for a face to face.
Avoid saying any of the following over the radio:
IN AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT HESITATE TO ACCURATELY DESCRIBE WHAT IS GOING ON. DO NOT BE VAGUE OR ASK FOR A FACE-TO-FACE. SAY WHAT YOU SEE, ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED, AND REQUEST AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE AS APPROPRIATE.
If you are on the receiving end of a message, make sure that you acknowledge every message that you receive. It is generally advised to repeat back what you understand.
Continuing our examples from above:
The following is a list of words or phrases that have a special meaning when used on the radio.
ALLCOMM: This is a call for everyone. Repeat 2-3 times.
BREAK: Used to break up long transmissions with pauses to ensure that more important radio calls can be made (see BREAK BREAK BREAK below). Make sure you release the button when pausing.
BREAK BREAK BREAK: Everyone cease transmission and listen. Used for emergencies.
OVER: Use when done with talking and expect a reply.
OUT (or CHANNEL CLEAR): Use when done talking and you do not need a reply. This is optional but is a helpful signal to others that the channel is free for use.
STAND BY: Use to indicate that you have heard a message but cannot respond immediately. If receiving a standby it means you should wait for the reply. It can be helpful to give an estimated time as well. If you are giving a stand by, you're expected to call back when you are available.
RADIO CHECK: Use this to check your radio is working and people will hear you. Simply send 'radio check'. If all is well, will receive a (possibly sarcastic) message explaining that you have a working radio.
TIME CHECK: Use this to get the current time.