Radio Protocol

Nowhere Radio Protocol

Contents

Introduction

Guidelines for Radio Use

Definitions

Term Meaning
Procedure Word A word or phrase that carries a specific meaning when used on the radio — see Procedure Words for details.

Basic Tips

  • When initiating a call, remember the following:
    • Think about what you’re going to say.
    • Check that you are on the correct channel.
    • Listen to the radio before you transmit.
      • If the channel is busy and you have critical traffic to transmit, consider using the procedure word break break break
    • Push the large push-to-talk button the side of your radio.
    • Pause for one second.
    • Speak briefly and clearly.
    • Release the push-to-talk button.

Dos and Don’ts

  • Do be clear and concise.

  • Don’t use operational event-time channels for social use.

  • Don’t use profanity of any kind on operational event-time channels.

  • Don’t use names or personally identifiable information on the radio.
    • Bad Examples:

    “Sandy, Sandy, Sandy, come in for Bob”

    “Bob has tripped and hurt his knee”

    • Good Examples:

    “Malfare, Malfare, Malfare, come in for Gate”

    “A participant requires medical assistance with a suspected knee injury”

  • Don’t do the following over the radio:
    • Mention Death or dead — instead, call for medical assistance for a person who is unconscious and not breathing. Request a face-to-face with the malfare shift lead now. Refer to the death on site protocol for more information.
    • Diagnose a participant’s condition — instead focus on what is needed (Malfare / Welfare / Red Cross), and describe symptoms and severity.
    • Drugs, “high”, “overdose”, “drunk” — again, do not attempt to diagnose. Instead describe a participant as “overly refreshed”, “disorientated”, “unresponsive” or “unconscious” as appropriate. Focus on symptoms, not causes.
    • Mention Sexual Assaults or Rapes - call for a face-to-face with the malfare shift lead. See the Sexual Assault / Rape protocol for more information.
    • Discuss Eviction from site - call for a face-to-face with the malfare shift lead.
  • Don’t use the term affirmative.
    • These terms can be confused negative if the start of your transmission is missed.
    • Use yes yes instead.

Procedure Words

The following is a list of recognized procedure words that are in use at Nowhere.

Term Meaning
All-Com This transmission is for everyone on this channel. Generally repeated twice.
Break Break Break Stop talking on this channel, the message I have to deliver is of higher importance. Make sure the message you have is definitely more important when using this.
Cancel Cancel The request being made is not longer required. The word is repeated to be clear an unambiguous.
Copy / Copy That I have received and understood your message.
Exercise Exercise This transmission is part of a drill or exercise and should not be interpreted as genuine.
Fire Fire Fire Fire alert. This is followed by the location of the fire.
No No / Negative A negative response.
No Play (Used during a drill or exercise) This transmission is not part of the drill/exercise being run and must be taken as genuine. Typically repeated two to three times.
Now This is of critical priority and presents a risk to life or safety. If you are responding to this call you are dropping everything and running.
Off-Com I am turning off my radio and will not be available.
On-Com I am available on this channel
Over I have finished transmitting and I await your response.
Out I have finished transmitting and no answer is required or expected.
Radio Check I am testing that my radio works, please acknowledge receipt of this transmission.
Priority Priority Priority Radio priority is being declared. All non-critical messages are to be held until priority has been lifted. This is invoked by the malfare shift lead or assistant shift lead only.
Priority Lifted Radio priority has been lifted. Generally repeated twice.
Received / Roger See Copy
Stand By I am busy or otherwise engaged, wait for me to get back to you.
Yes Yes An affirmative response. The word is repeated to be clear and unambiguous.

Channel List

Nº Channel Name Purpose
1 NORG Malfare comms and default channel for all radios.
2 TAC1 Tactical channel.
3 TAC2 Tactical channel.
4 TAC3 Tactical channel.
5 Seguridad Channel dedicated for communications with security. Malfare use only.
6 Perimeter Perimeter team. Malfare use only.
7 SLAP Sound, Light and Power enquiries.
8 Gate Gate crew
9 Yellow Funcomms: Off-duty social communications.
10 Production Production team doing production things.
11 Volunteers Volunteers co-ordination.
12 Placement Channel dedicated for placement crew.
13 Art Channel for art crew
14 Deep Sleep Channel for off-duty personnel while asleep, who can be raised in event of extreme emergency.
15 Off Duty Channnel for off-duty personnel who are resting, but can be raised if needed.
16 On Call Channel for personnel who are on stand-by (e.g. designated driver, interpreters)

References

Some material and ideas courtesy of the Black Rock Ranger Manual