INTRODUCTION

One of the prime Objectives of Delta Search & Rescue (DSAR) as stated in paragraph A. 1. ii. of the Objectives reads as follows:

"To perform such duties as . . . , Radio net management; message handling; the setting up of a Communications control centre in any area; relaying of messages to and from Search and Rescue teams and their command centres; to communicate with various organisations on land, sea and air."

In terms of the above, it is apparent that the acquisition and use of radio communication equipment is paramount to the operations of DSAR. This document sets out the parameters under which DSAR and it's members are expected to comply.

EQUIPMENT TYPE

DSAR makes use of land mobile VHF high band radio’s conforming to laid-down specifications as set by ICASA and the SABS. The following specifications are requisite:

 ACQUISITION AND USE OF RADIOS BY MEMBERS

DSAR Members complying with the requirements as set out below may obtain their own radios for use in DSAR and allied operations. Radio equipment must comply with the basic specifications as listed above. Under no circumstances will 'amateur radio' type equipment be accepted for use in DSAR. 

Members wishing to acquire radios must:

PERIPHERAL USERS

Persons associated with or related to any DSAR member may operate on the DSAR Tactical frequencies (TAC 1 - TAC 5) provided that they have completed the Voice Procedure course (TRB7). Peripheral users will at all times operate under the jurisdiction of the DSAR member concerned.

ACCESS TO FREQUENCIES

Frequencies used by DSAR can be classified into three groups: 

1. Those directly licenced to DSAR; 
2. Those made available to DSAR by Emergency Medical Services (EMS); 
3. Those made available to DSAR by other organisations. 

All Members with radios will be able to make use of frequencies in group 1 on payment of the appropriate monthly repeater access fees.

Members requiring access to frequencies in groups 2 and 3 must:

USE OF DSAR TACTICAL FREQUENCIES BY OTHER SAR GROUPS

Other organisations within Wilderness Search & Rescue (WSAR) may be given access to our TAC frequencies for use during operations. Organisations wishing to apply for access must complete the appropriate application form. On approval, a letter confirming access and including frequency information will be sent to the organisation.

CHANNEL ALLOCATION

In order to eliminate confusion, a standardized frequency/channel allocation plan for all DSAR radios has been adopted. The first 16 channels of all radios must comply with this plan. If any of these channels are not currently allocated, they may be used for other frequencies/services. This applies especially to the scan channel, which on some radios requires a channel position to function and on others is activated via a switch or button.

Please Note: 

1. Radios that do not require a channel position for the scan function may make use of Channel 9 for another frequency.
2. Channels 15 and 16 conform to standard EMS 16 channel radio configuration. 
3. If the radio supports more than 16 channels, the full complement of 14 EMS channels must be programmed, preferably in a complete sequence from channels 21 to 34.
4. Frequency information will not be issued freely.
5. In order to ensure correct functioning, all programming of radios will be strictly controlled by DSAR.
6. On radios so equipped, PTT unit ID using the MDC1200 signaling protocol must function on channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 16. If the radio does not support MDC1200, DTMF may be used in anticipation of future systems capability.

testING OF radios AND installations

In order to ensure that all DSAR radios and installations are operating at peak efficiency, equipment must be tested every 6 -12 months. This will normally be done during quarterly scheduled work meets.

restrictions

If a member wishes to have his or her radio checked or repaired by any radio dealer other than that specified by DSAR, the Farmwatch channels must first be de-programmed from the radio. The member will be requested to sign a document agreeing to this before initial programming  of the radio. This is necessary as the Farmwatch channels are used for security purposes.

USE OF DSAR NO1, NO2 AND PACKSET RADIOS

1. The portable GP300 'No 1' radio and rapid charger kit will be located in the 'Winelands Cell' and deployed at the discretion of the current Duty Manager. 
2. The portable GP300 'No 2' radio and rapid charger kit will be located in the 'Peninsula Cell' and deployed at the discretion of the current Duty Manager. 
3. The portable GM300 Packset, charger and antennas will be located at ZERO 2 in Somerset West, on charge, and deployed at the discretion of the current Duty Manager.

BASE AND FIELD OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS

Radio operators within DSAR (and WSAR) are expected to attain the following qualifications:

1. SAR COMMS:

   1. SAR Radio Operator: Level 3 Basic (Minimum Qualification)

      1. Voice Procedure
         Basic radio procedures and disciplines. Forms the foundation for future training and activities within the SAR Comms environment. 
         (Adapted from course TRB7)

      2. Getting the best out of Your Radio System
         Techniques designed to improve the operational effectiveness of portable radio communications during SAR operations.
         (Adapted from course TRB1)

      3. Use of Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
         The use of Nickel-Cadmium Batteries concentrating especially on the correct care thereof.
         (Adapted from course TRC7)

      4. What is “PL” or Private Line?
         How the 'sub-audible tone coded squelch' and 'digital squelch systems' function and their application in radio communication systems.
         (Adapted from course TRC2)

      5. How Repeaters Work
         How radio repeaters function, including their application in radio communications systems with particular emphasis on emergency communications.
         (Adapted from course TRC3)
         
         

   2. SAR Radio Operator: Level 2 Intermediate

      As in ‘Basic Qualification’ above , plus:
      

      1. Aspects of Voice Procedure - The Art of Communicating
         Information intended to improve aspects of voice procedure that are often overlooked.
         (Adapted from course TRB2)

      2. Comms Nets for SAR Ops
         Procedures involved in the planning and setting up of temporary communications nets for SAR operations, including the use and maintenance of signal diagrams.
         (Adapted from course TRB3)

      3. How to use Relays in a Simplex Net
         Techniques required to locate, man, and operate an efficient radio relay station.
         (Adapted from course TRB4)

      4. Basics of Radio Communications - Frequencies, Modes, Antennas etc.
         Basic radio communication theory, explaining many terms and concepts, which are likely to occur in practice.
         (Adapted from course TRC1)

      5. How do other Radio Systems work? Marine, METRO, SAAF; TETRA; etc.
         Operation and features of communications system of those organisations that we work with in the SAR environment.
         (Adapted from course TRC5)

      6. Interference and Noise Suppression
         Techniques to eliminate electrical and radio interference in the operation of portable and mobile radio equipment.
         (Adapted from course TRC7)

      7. Documentation
         Procedures regarding the use of various forms used before, during and after an operation, including an introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS).
         (Adapted from course TRA7)

      8. VHF Systems and Equipment used in DSAR and Metro
         Detailed operation of the radio equipment operated by DSAR and Metro with specific attention to the unique programmed configuration in use.
         (Adapted from course TRC8)

      9. The Emergency Response Trailer (ERT) - Erecting Masts and Antennas
         practical implementation of ERT and antennas
         (Course TRE2)

       

   3. SAR Radio Operator: Level 1 Advanced

      As in Level 2 above plus:
      

      1. Multi-Net Comms - Utilisation of Systems and Terrain to Best Advantage
         Discusses the suitability and application of various radio systems and components to the SAR role, and the strategy required to deploy them effectively.
         (Adapted from course TRB5)  

      2. Restricted Maritime Operators Licence
         To ensure operations in the shore support role in conjunction with marine stations.

      3. Antennas - Theory and Practice
         Antenna theory and application, especially as it applies to SAR and emergency operations.
         (Adapted from course TRC9)

      4. How to set up an Incident Command Post
         Details the procedures to establish an effective command center for SAR operations with respect to command structure, communications, location, personnel and organisation with reference to the ICS system.
         (Part of course TRA4)

      5. The Mobile Incident Command Unit - Equipment & Operation
         Practical implementation of the MICU, radios and antenna systems.
         (Course TRE11)

      6. Comms Through Relays
         Practical implementation of using manual relays.
         (Course TRE10)
         

PAGING

In order to efficiently expedite call outs, members are expected to carry radio pagers which can either be issued or purchased. Airtime is sponsored by MessageLink and message handling by Omnipage. 

Pagers must be switched on and batteries maintained in a workable condition at all times.

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t/a Delta Search & Rescue    Reg No. 2000 / 008763 / 08
Last modified: May 01, 2007

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