Operation Procedures

Operation Procedures are vitally important to ensure that the operation of ACRM works successfully.

Logging On

1. ACRM opens at 07:00. It does not accept log ons over the radio before then.
2. You must ensure that you make contact with an ACRM operator on marine VHF Ch 80.
3. You must ensure that you receive confirmation back of all communications.
4. You must ensure that you receive a response for all communications - that you make contact and that that contact has been received successfully.
5. When you are logging on the operator will do a readback. You must check all details and you must confirm whether they are correct.
6. don't just transmit on the air and expect everything to be remembered and recorded. Make sure that the mechanisms are in place and are operational.
7. where appropriate - eg with callsigns etc - use the phonetic alphabet. This ensures clarity.
8. accuracy and clarity of information is vitally important.

Logging Off

1. it is important that you maintain contact around your Estimated Time of Return.
2. if you are overdue - ~15min - the operator will call you.
3. if you are massively overdue - the operator will call the water police to organise a search by the volunteer sea rescue.

Generally

1. make sure that your equipment is working ok - make sure that you can transmit and be heard and can receive ok.

Receiving

1. make sure that your volume is sufficiently high.
2. make sure that your squelch is sufficiently low. On some equipment it won't be adjustable - so don't worry.

Transmitting

1. make sure that you are firmly pressing the PPT (Push To Talk) button on the side of the microphone, and are holding it down.