1.    Check that the RadioSet is prepared for operation

1. VHF HandHelds – always ensure that the battery is charged and have a spare available. Check antenna is attached.
2. HF Mobiles/Base – Check power supplies regularly. Check cable connections i.e. antenna, power supply, microphone.

2.     Transmitting

1. Decide beforehand what you are going to say, ensuring that it will be clear and concise. Make notes if necessary.
2. Check that no-one else is speaking on the net before you start. Do not attempt to use Selcall (HF Mobiles/Base) if the net is busy.
3. Avoid excessive calling. In particular with Selcall, allow time for the remote station’s automatic reply. (This can take up to 40 secs.). Calling again too soon after the original call may corrupt an incoming reply from the called station. The called station may be able to hear you but be unable to reply, or you may not hear their reply. Make one last call starting NIL HEARD OUT. The other station can then call you back when they are in a better position to do so.
4. If your message is long, divide it into sensible phrases, pause to allow your message to be understood (and written down if necessary) while maintaining a natural rhythm.
5. Use standard pronunciation. Emphasize vowels sufficiently. Avoid extremes of pitch, do not let your voice drop at the end of a sentence. Speak in a moderately strong voice but do not shout as this will distort the signal.
6. Hold the microphone at about 5cm from your lips while speaking. Shield the microphone from background noises.
7. Be aware that everything that you say can be heard by anyone using a radio receiver on the same frequency. Depending on the situation in the country of operations, it may be wise to use simple codes (e.g. AlphaNumeric codes for locations, cal signs for names, etc.)
8. Ensure that each user on the network is registered on a master list held by the Radio Room, and that any unauthorized call signs heard on the net are noted and the users (if known) are properly registered or informed that they do not have permission to use the network.
9. NEVER transmit military or other confidential information on UN networks. Doing so could seriously jeopardize telecommunications and may result in the withdrawal of permission to operate, or confiscation of the station by the competent authorities.

Example of Radio Conversation

The calling station is indicated by the use of this is or from:

Juliet Hotel this is Romeo Foxtrot – message – over.

This is Juliet Hotel – send – over.

From Romeo Foxtrot – Convoy 5a has just passed Sierra 3. ETA Sierra 14:30 hours – over.

Juliet hotel – Roger – out.

Radio checks should be carried out periodically during periods of low traffic.

Signal quality is reported as strength/readability as follows:

Three Zero One – this is Two Five Nine – Radio Check – over.

From Three Zero One – (you are) loud and clear – over.

This is Two Five Nine – (you are) good and readable – out.

Call for help as follows:

" EMERGENCY EMERGENCY EMERGENCY FIVE-TWO-FIVE-TWO THIS IS HOTEL-THREE-NINER HOTEL-THREE-NINER EMGERNCY. DO YOU COPY? OVER". (Wait for response and then proceed).

For a lesser degree of urgency, use the world "SECURITY" instead of "EMERGENCY"

Any situation hearing an "EMERGENCY" or "SECURITY" call, should immediately stop transmitting and listen-out.

• Wait for a pause (immediately after you hear "OVER");
• Call "BREAK BREAK BREAK. THIS IS HOTEL-THREE-NINER, HOTEL-THREE-NINER. I HAVE AN EMERGENCY. PLEASE STAND BY";
• Pause transmission and listen to ensure the other communication has ceased;
• Proceed with emergency call