1. BASIC RADIO ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
Objectives:
It's important to understand and get familiar with the etiquette of radio
communication because it will help improve your overall experience when using
your radio. To make communication on a radio go more smoothly there are
certain rules, or etiquette, that have been established over the years.
Below are outlined some of the basic rules of proper Radio Etiquette:
Do’s
1. Think about what you are going to say before you press the Push To Talk
Button (PTT) Decide what you are going say and to whom it is meant for.
2. Remember that conversation and your comments are public – keep sensitive issues off the air.
3. Hold the radio's built-in microphone close to your mouth. If you have a normal or loud voice, hold the radio
at least 10 cm. away from your face. Your voice will come through loud and clear. If you have a quiet voice, then
you may hold the radio 6-8 cm. away from your face but no closer.
4. Press the PTT button and pause briefly. This is very important because it takes up to a second or two for
everybody's radio to lock onto the signal and begin broadcasting your message. If you press the PTT button and
begin talking immediately most people will only get half of your first sentence and sit in their vehicle saying "What
is that idiot saying now?!"
5. Always identify yourself and use the name of the person you are contacting as well. People do not always
know your voice or hear who called them. Use both first and last names.
6. Indicate your location, nature of problem, what is needed, and any other helpful information. Relay only the
information you know - Who What When Where Why & How: “Just the Facts”
7. Be careful what you say. Talk slowly and clearly. Speak at a moderate pace, neither too slow nor too fast.
8. Keep chatter to a minimum. Avoid using long and complicated sentences. If your message is long, divide it
into separate understandable shorter messages. Do not use abbreviations unless they are well understood by your
group.
9. Ensure people receive your message. All messages should be confirmed with a response - in the very least a
message such as "OK", "Affirmative", "Got it", etc should be returned.
10. Wait your turn. Only one person can talk at a time. If someone is having a conversation on the channel, you
cannot talk over those people; you will have to wait your turn.
1. Do not swear, or use offensive language! Watch your language!
Avoid slurring your words, and never shout - increasing your voice level will
only cause distortion of your voice by the microphone.
2. Do not give out specific personal information (if the other speaker
hasn’t allowed you to present it).
3. Do not interrupt others. To avoid interrupting a conversation,
please listen before you begin speaking.
4. Do not respond if you aren't sure it is for you. Wait until you hear
your call sign to respond.
5. Reduce background noise as much as possible.
.
Have fun!