Net Control Operator



Net Control Operator

(To Be or Not To Be)

Part Five

Being a Net Control Operator during an emergency is a difficult assignment. It isn’t as simple as taking call-signs and names as in the case of an informal or non-emergency net. There are many skills, some of which cannot be taught, that a competent Net Control Operator must have.

Some of the characteristics of a good Net Control operator are:

a. GOOD voice quality. (not high pitched or nasal)

b. A good command of the English language and proper diction.

c. Self-confidence but not an obnoxious attitude.

d. Knows how to take and give orders.

e. Ability to deal both mentally and physically with high stress for extended periods of time.

f. A sense of humor.

g. Very good penmanship.

h. Above average operating techniques.

i. Knows how to be organized.

j. Knowledge of emergency communications protocol and served agencies.

k. A concern for all volunteers.

l. GOOD listening skills.

m. The ability to be flexible.

n. Being able to “Check your emotions at the door.”

o. Is able to show a good face for amateur radio.

p. DOES NOT TRY TO RUN THE SHOW.(we all answer to someone)

Not all of us have what it takes to be a good net control operator. Being able to coordinate several stations while at the same time working in a busy EOC environment is quite a juggling act. The ability to do several tasks well and at the same time, and prioritize them, is a quality few of us have. You won’t be handed a script like informal nets have, so you better be able to work on the fly and improvise. Like a lion-tamer, no one should be able to sense fear or doubt in a net control operator. Operators in the field look toward the net control operator for strength and calmness. You should be able to convey this during your communications. All radio communications should be brief and to the point. It is not a time for excess words or rag-chewing but this does not mean that you must rush when you speak. Speaking CLEARLY and SLOWLY goes a long way towards being an effective operator. There is also a great deal of logging and note taking by a net control station. Entries must be clear and noted with dates, times, names, call-signs and other important information.

 If you are asked a specific question, you must know where to go to find the correct answer. Never leave any question unanswered. If you cannot answer a question within ten minutes, inform the operator who asked it that you are aware that their question hasn’t been answered and you are still pursuing a proper reply. If a request for, say supplies, is made make sure the logistic support is put to task until the request is fulfilled. In this way you are supporting the guys in the trenches. Never leave them hanging. Calling for clarification to any message sent is also important. Never be afraid to ask an operator to repeat their information. YOU are the end of the communications line, so get it right. Do not over use Phonetics. They are to be used ONLY when what is being said might be better understood if spelled out, and ONLY the important words. If an operator checks in and uses phonetics to give his call-sign, DO NOT repeat his call-sign using phonetics. That wastes time. A net control operator must have the patience to work with a group of people whose skill levels will greatly vary. There may be times when you will have to pause to explain something to a new operator that most of us would take for granted. Being a net control operator means being both a teacher and a student. This does not mean talking down to a new volunteer, but rather being a friend who has more experience. Make sure when you relieve any volunteer from their assignment that you make a special effort to thank them for their support. A few encouraging words keep volunteers coming back.

You are responsible for setting a pattern and protocol that all other radio operators will follow, so make sure it is a sound one. ALWAYS be in control, if you aren’t your net operations can quickly disintegrate into chaos. Keep all your operators in line and following proper procedures. Never allow an operator to break protocol. If you do, others will follow and you will lose control of your net. If one does, just carefully rein them back in by reminding them that they have to use proper net protocol, then let it drop. If they continue to breach protocol you might have to use stronger language and tell them that they must be acknowledged by net control and ALL communications must flow through you unless you give a station the authority to “go direct” for one series of communications. Try NOT to make an issue of it, just state what needs to be said and no more. It is also important to know that we are all volunteers, so handle your field operators with kindness and DO NOT criticize an operator over the air. Any corrections should be done in private.

You must also know your limitations as a person, so take breaks often. This will help lower your frustration level. When you take a break, detach yourself mentally from the communications duty. Read a magazine, take a short nap, eat, take a short walk for some fresh air or use the bathroom. Put the net control operations out of your mind for a while. This way when you return to your duties you will have renewed energy. Remaining cool is a valuable trait. Another thing to keep in mind is that you must ID often (more than the 10 minute FCC rule) and also explain on the air the purpose of the net you are operating so people who might be monitoring or just turning on their radios will remain silent and let you and the net do their job. Always be aware that others are listening, especially the media. So watch what you say. Never interject any personal opinions into your communications no matter how frustrated you may become. The agencies we serve are also listening to see how amateur radio operators fulfill their communications duties. Always remain a professional both on and off the air. You cannot be expected to be perfect, but do not get flustered. Remain calm and do your best to recover from any mental or verbal mistakes. There might be times when you will be dealing with some very disturbing traffic. You must be able to pass or receive this type of information without emotions overwhelming you. If you should become stressed, it will be revealed in your voice. Your voice’s pitch will raise and you will probably talk a bit faster. People monitoring will notice. Try to avoid this by taking those frequent breaks.

 If you have listened to an actual emergency net, you will always be able to tell who the net control operator is because they have a commanding voice and on the air presence. If you feel that you would be a good net control operator candidate, talk to your communications group and see if training is available. This usually takes the form of being a net control operator during tests and drills and one on one training. After this they may place you in the position as a relief net control operator. This way they will see if you can “take the heat”.

“Keeping an "Even Keel”

During the course of any emergency event you could be under so much stress that it’s difficult to control your emotions. After all, we are only human and the sorrow or tension during an emergency can play havoc with your soul. Never lash out at anyone, no matter how much they may annoy you. Show patience at all times. This is why it is very important to take frequent breaks. Read a few chapters from an amusing novel. Read a magazine. Do a crossword puzzle. If you can, take a short walk to clear your mind. (If you are the only communicator at a post, make sure you take your HT on your break/walk) In this way you will be able to disengage yourself for a while. First and foremost, you must remain calm on the exterior as people you are supporting will depend upon you for a show of strength during a trying time. If you feel that you can’t do this, then inform your emergency group so they can assign you to a less stressful position that also doesn’t require much interface with the public.

Support from your family

There may be an emergency event that has deeply touched you in some way. Although during the event you must keep most of your emotions buried, upon your return you might want to discuss with your family what transpired and what you were feeling. They should be there for you, listening to you and being sympathetic to any feelings you might be having. Do not dwell on any particular point. The release is in telling them what you felt and did during the entire emergency. The more fully they understand, the better and stronger their support will be for you.

“Emergency Communications Teams”

 The Amateur radio emergency communications organization you are a member of may have a special team that will travel to other areas of the State or country to render emergency communications assistance. These " Teams are composed of several very experienced radio operators who are equipped with special long-term personal and radio equipment “Go Bags” that allow the team to be placed anywhere to set up or support any agency during an emergency. They might be called upon to assist in the aftermath of a hurricane or earthquake. Another reason their support would be requested is in the case of a wide-area search and rescue operation. These operators are a special breed of communicators. They are all in good physical condition, have worked well as a team, know how to survive under rustic long term conditions and have constantly trained for this type of event. Sometimes at least one or more of them will have a higher class license than technician class. This will allow them to set up HF stations for long range communications. Other teams have reported for duty during emergencies such as the search for space shuttle debris in Texas or a child lost in a national park. These are wide-range searches and involve many volunteers who may be out in rural areas for extended periods of time so it’s a plus if they have camping skills. These teams are NOT people in charge of an emergency; rather they follow the orders and requests of the local emergency communications group or local officials. If you feel you would be a good candidate for this type of service, talk to your emergency communications group to learn more about becoming a member of a “Team”.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Amateur radio operators are often called upon to join search and rescue efforts whenever someone is missing or when a search for someone or something over a widespread area is required. Most often, these events involve searching rural areas of the country. People getting lost in national parks need to be found quickly. Usually you will be called up for activation by your ARES/RACES group who will have received a specific request to help. You’ll report to a staging area and will be given grid maps that outline the search areas and the pattern to cover. Depending upon the situation, the total area to be searched could cover hundreds of square miles so you must be prepared to be out in the field for a long period of time. Camping type skills are required for larger rural searches.

 Make sure you are prepared in case the weather turns colder or rain develops. You will be searching in teams with at least one radio operator in each team. Make sure you have all the area repeaters in your radio’s memory. Large coverage repeaters will be used and there may be several in use for this event so again, make sure you have them all in your radio. Bring plenty of water so you don’t become part of the problem. Listen carefully to the search coordinator and your team leader as they probably have experience in this type of search. Someone in your group will hopefully be using a GPS unit so your exact location will always be known. While you are searching, remember that if you come across evidence, do exactly as you were instructed, whether it be marking the area or bagging the evidence.

 FOLLOW ALL PROCEDURES. Be prepared and wear comfortable shoes or boots as you will be hiking for a long period of time. If in really mountainous or wooded areas, dress for the part. It will not be a Sunday walk in the park. Be wary of snakes, spiders and scorpions. Bring your “Go Bag” as a backpack as this will make it easier to carry as you travel. Make sure you have enough battery power for both your radio and flashlights. Insect repellant and antihistamine for insect bites are two very important items to pack. DO NOT volunteer unless you can physically handle the assignment.

Original by w2ik, edited for

Training by Tom Harris, k5wth

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