Radio Handbook 2012 PDF

Radiocommunication Field Handbook
CONTACTS QUICK REFERENCE
Radio General Services

1-866-952-6801
250-952-6801
For Wildfire Radio Support, contact your local Logistics Chief
For Information
(all numbers 250 area code)
Office
Cell
Call Sign
612-7823
CAR41
608-0591
3RA10
713-2723
32
Superintendent, Northern Interior Region

Don Lewis
565-6848
Superintendent, Southern Interior Region

Rowe Barnett
365-8635
Superintendent, Coastal Region & Victoria

Glenn Allen
751-7084
For Issue Escalation

Director, Communication Services
Keith Finnie
387-5222
217-4033
4W1
Chief Information Officer, CSNR Information Management Branch

Doug Say
387-9648
Radio services provided by CSNR Communication Services are available to all

Natural Resource Sector ministry business areas. If you are currently not a user,
and believe that you require radio support for your business operations, please
contact Communication Services either by calling their local Radio Superintendent
or by calling 1-866-952-6801 and following the voice prompts.
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CONTENTS
CONTACTS QUICK REFERENCE
NATURAL RESOURCE Sector RADIO SYSTEM
AUTHORIZATION - INDUSTRY CANADA
VHF HANDHELD AND MOBILE RADIOS
OPERATING PROCEDURES
Licensing
Federal Regulations
8
8
Range
Tone of Voice, Voice Loudness and Articulation

Do Not Shout
Squelch Control
Microphone
CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System)
District CTCSS Tones
9
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9
9
10
LETTERS OF AUTHORITY
10
LOGGING ROADS
10
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND REPORTING ACCIDENTS
12
PRIORITY OF COMMUNICATIONS
12
NATURAL RESOURCE Sector RADIOS
13
Check To See If You Have A Letter Of Authority
10
Entering and Working In an Active Logging Area

Road Channel Frequency Check
Prior to switching channels
Resource Road Channels (Safety Item: Complete a Radio Check BEFORE you leave)
Resource Road Channel Signage:
Resource Road Calling Procedures
Calling For Assistance
International Distress Calling / Answering Procedures
Wildfire Management Program
Accident Response - Basic Rules
Types and Models of Field Staff Radios

Handhelds Radios
Satellite Phones
Mobile Radios
Air-Band Handhelds
ICOM F30GT Instructions
ICOM F3 and F3S Instructions
Globalstar GSP-1600 Instructions
Globalstar GSP-1600 Quick Reference Guide
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Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone
Kenwood TK-7180 / NX700 - Province Wide Use
Kenwood TK-780 - Regional Use
Details of Radio Operation (TK-7180/NX700 & TK-780)
ICOM A4 Operating Instructions
Troubleshooting / Maintenance and Repair
Handheld Radios
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CALL SIGNS
26
RULES OF OPERATION
27
Obtaining a Call-Sign
Wildfire Management Branch Call-signs
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Ministry Use Policy

General Policy
Road Frequency Use Policy
Important Narrowband Policy Notice
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WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH FIRE COMMUNICATIONS 28

OBTAINING AND RETURNING A RADIO
28
APPENDIX A - Call Sign Assignments
30
APPENDIX B - Safety Requirements for Field Staff
31
APPENDIX C Natural Resource Sector Frequencies
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Radio Sign out Policy and Procedures

Obtaining or Returning a Radio (Non Fire Stock)
Failure to Return a Handheld Radio
Missing Radio Policy
Finding a Radio that does not belong to you
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Northern Interior Forest Region - Base Call Signs

Southern Interior Forest Region Base Call Signs
Coast Forest Region Base Call Signs
Fire Centre - Call Signs
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WorkSafeBC (Formerly WCB) Requirements

WorkSafeBC: Accident Prevention Regulations: - Article 8.32
WorkSafeBC First Aid Regulations: - Article 33.5 (1)
Standard Radio Channel Line-ups
ICOM F3/F3s and ICOM Mobiles Frequency Line-Up (Revised Nov 2010)
F30GT Handheld and Kenwood TK-780, TK-7180 (Revised: Feb 2010)
F30GT and Kenwood TK-780, TK-7180 Bank Lineup
UHF Fire Repeater Frequencies
VHF AM Air Frequencies
CTCSS Tones
APPENDIX D Standard Operating Procedures

General Information
Antenna location is important
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District Radio Repeater Systems
Description and Operation
Selecting Tones
Propagation Characteristics
How a District Repeater System Works
To call the District Office back from the portable
In Summary
Exceptions
An example of difficult or marginal communications
Terminology
Simplex Frequency
Half-duplex Frequency
Full Duplex Frequency
DTMF Dual Tone Multi Frequency
VHF and UHF Frequencies
Standard Voice Phrases to Use on the Radio System
Reception and Reception Quality Assessments
Phonetic Alphabet
Sign In/Out (District Offices or Fire Control Centre)
District Office Staff
Wildfire Management Staff
Regional Staff and Headquarters Branch Staff
Check-in Examples
No Response Example
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APPENDIX E To Obtain Radio Services
45
APPENDIX F Knowing More About Your Radio
47
APPENDIX G Emergency Procedures
50
For Regional Radio Support

For Information
To Obtain Radio Services
Online Information
PETUNIA and IRIS
Squelch Control
PTT (Push-To-Talk) Button
Monitor Button
Channel Selector or Key Pad
Antennas
Hi Lo Power Switch
Batteries
Lithium Batteries
Leaking Batteries
Vehicle Power Supplies
Trunk Mounted Units
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Levels of Distress
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Government of BC

The Distress Signals
MAYDAY
PAN-PAN
SECURITY
A Distress Message
Radio Silence
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APPENDIX H - Forest Region Map Supplement
52
APPENDIX I Wildfire Management Branch Updates
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Coast Forest Region Maps

Coast Forest Region
DCK - Chilliwack
DSQ - Squamish
DSC - Sunshine Coast
DSI - South Island
DCR - Campbell River
DNI - North Island Central Coast
DNC - North Coast
DHG - Haida Gwaii
Northern Interior Forest Region Maps
Northern Interior Forest Region
DKM - Kalum
DSS South - Skeena Stikine
DND - Nadina
DVA - Vanderhoof
DJA - Fort St James
DPG - Prince George
DMK - Mackenzie
DPC - Peace
DFN - Fort Nelson
DSS North - Skeena Stikine
Southern Interior Forest Region Maps
Southern Interior Forest Region
DQU - Quesnel
DCH - Chilcotin
DCC - Central Cariboo
DMH - 100 Mile House
DHW - Headwaters
DCO - Columbia
DCS - Cascades
DKA - Kamloops
DOS - Okanagan Shuswap
DAB - Arrow Boundary
DKL - Kootenay Lake
DRM - Rocky Mountain
FIRE COMMUNICATIONS
Man Power & Equipment Mobilization Plan
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First-Contact Communications
Office of the Fire Commissioner
Ongoing Fire-Line Communications
Wildfire Management Fire Control Centre (PWCC - Fire Season Only)
Fire Communications and Issues (Fire Season Only)
Accident Response Procedures
International Distress Calling Answering Procedures should be followed
Additional Wildfire Management Rules
Radio Sign Out Policy and Procedures
Obtaining or Returning a Handheld Radio
Fire Centre Contact Information
Wildfire Management Branch Radio Requisition Process
APPENDIX J - Fire Centre Map Supplement

Cariboo
Coastal
Kamloops
Northwest
Prince George
South East
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NATURAL RESOURCE SECTOR RADIO SYSTEM
The NR Sector radio system is comprised of twenty-nine separate district systems in
three regions. The NR Sector radio system is one of the largest systems in Canada it includes base stations, mountain top repeaters, mobiles for vehicles, and handheld
portable units for individual communication needs.
The focus of the radio system has been to provide reliable two-way radio service to
personnel required to operate in the rural and remote locations of British Columbia,
and to provide emergency radio communications where and when required.
The NR Sector radio system operates like a party line phone, ALWAYS ASSUME
OTHERS ARE LISTENING.
AUTHORIZATION - INDUSTRY CANADA

Licensing
All NR Sector radios are licensed.

Victoria.
Licenses are held at Radio Operations in
Federal Regulations
1.
2.
You shall not deliberately cause harmful interference to another user.

Do not transmit signals not related to work or safety. Unless a
transmission is related to official business or safety it should be deemed
Not-Relevant.
You may not transmit a message (conversation) containing profane or
obscene words or language.
You may not divulge or use information you may overhear - other than
from a public broadcast.
Emergency transmissions have priority over all other communications!
3.
4.
5.
VHF HANDHELD AND MOBILE RADIOS

Handheld portable radios and mobile radios are used for person-to-person
communications either directly or through a radio repeater. Direct radio-to-radio
(simplex) channels are identified by a metallic colour. Repeater (duplex) channels
are identified by a rainbow colour. (See Appendix D for more information on Radio
Repeaters and Appendix C for standard NR Sector channel frequencies.)
Range
The range of VHF radio depends on a number of factors including transmit power,
antenna efficiency, terrain and distance. Treat direct radio-to-radio communications
as line of sight. Obstructing terrain such as hills or mountains will block your signals
unless the distance between radios is very short. The rubber ducky antennas on
portables are notoriously inefficient.
Maximize the range of your radio by keeping the antenna vertical.
Maximize the range of your radio by keeping the antenna as high
as possible.
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Some portables have been supplied / equipped with remote speaker Mics and are
operated while the radio is being carried on the hip - this does reduce their range. If
you are experiencing problems, you may have to remove the portable and operate it
with the portable off of your hip and elevated away from your body.
OPERATING PROCEDURES
(Things to know before you start)
1. You must have a call sign an ID by which you will be known. (To
obtain a call sign refer to CALL-SIGNS)
2. You will need to know the call sign(s) of the people or stations with
which you wish to communicate.
3. You will need to know the safety
Remember:
check-in schedule that you are
You may know where you are
required to keep. If you are not
but... does the person with whom
sure read Appendix B and check
you are checking- in know where
with the district office or your
you are and that you are safe?
supervisor.
4. You must know the channel
designation, or if you are working
through a radio repeater you must know the channel designation and
access tone for the repeater with which you will be communicating.
5. How to operate the equipment See page 13 - NR Sector Radios
6. Is the radio working? Perform a Radio Check before you leave to
begin work.
Tone of Voice, Voice Loudness and Articulation

Do Not Shout
Shouting may cause the radio to clip words rendering them indistinguishable at
the receive station. Speak normally or a bit softer if someone says they can not
understand you. Articulate your words.
Squelch Control
Radios generate noise when not receiving a signal. The squelch control allows the
user to quiet this noise. Radios with internal squelch control will have been pre-set
to an optimal value by a radio technician.
Microphone
Hold front of the microphone 5 cm from your mouth and speak into it with a normal
voice tone and audio level. Articulate your words.
CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System)
The Ministry uses 9 CTCSS tones on its District Radio systems to reduce interference
on the district repeater systems. CTCSS is a sub-audible tone (cannot be heard by
users) which is placed on each radio transmission. The correct tone signals to the
receiving radio that a message is coming through. If your radio is not set to the
correct tone, you will not be able to talk through a repeater. CTCSS tones are never
used on Silver, Gold, Copper, Nickel or Bronze.
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District CTCSS Tones
Adjacent Districts do not, as a rule-of-thumb, use the same tones. A radio Toned for
one Districts radio system will not work in an adjacent District if that district has a
different tone. The Tone must be changed for the radio to work.
Consult the Radio Repeater Maps for repeater channel colour and tone information.
These maps are contained in this manual or may be downloaded from the
ministry intranet site at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/ftp/!Project/RadioOperations/
RadioRepSites/
LETTERS OF AUTHORITY
For one user to operate on someone elses operational frequency requires an
approval, or Letter of Authority (LoA) authorizing use of the frequency this is an
Industry Canada (Federal Regulatory) requirement.
If you have a LoA you must have a Call Sign to communicate with a NR Sector
office. If you do not have one, one will be issued to you from the NR Sectors Call
Sign implementation plan.
Requesting access to the NR Sector radio system:
Fill out a Ministry of Natural Resource Operations FS-1109 form:
On line printable forms are available at:
https://gww.for.gov.bc.ca/his/radio/
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/his/radio/
1. Go to the Radio Operations website and download the form;
2. Fill out the form, and;
3. Forward the form; (This will be to a Radio Superintendent or Manager of
the Region(s) where you require access)
a. Coast Forest Region: (See mailing address on Page 2)
b. Northern Interior Forest Region: (See mailing address on Page 2)
c. Southern Interior Forest Region: (See mailing address on Page 2)
4. A LoA with repeater maps will be issued if the application is approved.
Check To See If You Have A Letter Of Authority
IMB Communication Services staff have access to the LoA database. If you wish to
see the status of your LoA ask the Regional radio technician to check the database
for you.
LOGGING ROADS
ROAD SAFETY IS OF PRIME CONCERN TO THE MINISTRY
Personnel operating vehicles on logging roads must have their vehicle
equipped with a mobile radio programmed with the required logging
channels for the area in which they are operating. For safety purposes
the vehicle mobile must be used for km checks - handheld portable
radios must not be used for in-vehicle road channel communications
on logging roads.
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Entering and Working In an Active Logging Area
Road Channel Frequency Check
Check your radio / frequency list and switch to the frequency that is posted at the
entrance to the active logging road. Monitor and check for frequency traffic and
logging truck movement prior to proceeding.
Confirm your selection by calling someone before you enter the road. It is important
to be familiar with the calling procedures used on that road. You must clear the
road when you leave the radio advisory portion of the road. Listen carefully to all
traffic you hear. Shut off all other radios and limit conversations.
If you must make a call on a channel other than the road channel you are on:
Prior to switching channels

1.
2.
3.
4.
Advise others that you are stopping and where you are stopping;
Stop your vehicle in a visible location out of the way of passing vehicles;
Switch to your alternate channel and make your call when finished;
Switch back to the Logging Road Channel advising others you are
moving again.
Important:
If you do not know the frequency used in an active logging area, DO NOT
enter this area. Contact the District Office for information on the frequency
used on that road.
Road channels are not to be scanned.
Resource Road Channels (Safety Item: Complete a Radio Check BEFORE you leave)
Road Channels: There are currently in excess of 250 road safety channels in
use throughout the province of BC. Industry Canada, NR Sector, BC TruckSafe,
WorkSafeBC, BC Forest Safety Council and other interest groups have been
working to establish a smaller number of standard road safety channels for use
province-wide on Resource Roads. Eleven frequencies were initially identified for
road safety which when coupled with one of three tones effectively providies thirtythree channels.
Your radio display will show these new channels as RR-XXY.
(RR = Resource Road, XX = Road Channel assignment, Y = Tone assignment).
Resource Road Channel Signage:
Loading and Unloading Zones: Three frequencies are currently allocated for Loading
and Unlocading, when coupled with one of three tones this provides nine channels
for loading and unloading zones. These will show up in your radio display as
LD-XY. They must be posted at the entrance to Loading and Unloading Zones.
(LD = Loading / Unloading, X = Channel assignment, Y = Tone assignment).
Resource Road and Loading Channels have been programmed into radios along
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with their corresponding tone per Industry Canada regulations PRC 07-3 Issue 3
May 2010. Do not change the Tones.
Roads using these channels will be clearly identified at the start of the road with a
Black on Yellow sign with the channel ID and the actual radio frequency and tone.
Signage will be subject to minor change over the next year as the Resource Road
Working Group, Industry and Industry Canada clarify the optimal solution.
Resource Road Calling Procedures

These are also being reviewed and are subject to change.
The intent is to have a province-wide standard available beginning 2013.
The proposed standardized calling procedure (up, down, loaded, empty,
etc.) will be posted on the km markers.
Loading Channel Signage:
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND REPORTING ACCIDENTS

Distress, urgency and safety procedures have been established by the International
Telecommunications Union.
Emergency communications and procedures have been standardized in order to be
understood world-wide.
Calling For Assistance
All operators and personnel expected to use radio equipment must become familiar
with distress signals.
International Distress Calling / Answering Procedures
Refer to APPENDIX H for emergency procedures and making distress calls.
Wildfire Management Program

Accident Response - Basic Rules
See APPENDIX J for Wildfire Management Branch Accident Response Rules.
PRIORITY OF COMMUNICATIONS
Radio communications are vital to efficient and safe NR Sector Aircraft, Marine and
Ground field operations. When multiple users require the simultaneous use of the
radio following priority for radio communication will apply:
1.
Distress Calls:
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2.
MAYDAY, PAN-PAN and SECURITY calls

Aircraft and marine distress calls
Accident and medical emergencies
Safety Check-ins: For aircraft, vehicles, vessels and personnel
Aircraft and vessel check-ins and position reports
Regional, District, Call Centre and Branch staff safety check-ins and
position reports
3. Operational Traffic:
Wildfire Management initial and status fire reports and updates (ground
or aircraft)
Air patrol aircraft and helicopter traffic; vessel updates
Regional, District, Call Centre and Branch operational and routine traffic
All radio communications must be recorded in the appropriate radio logs
according to the local standard operating procedures.
NATURAL RESOURCE SECTOR RADIOS

Types and Models of Field Staff Radios
Handhelds Radios
ICOM:
F30GT (Ministry Standard)
ICOM:
F3 and F3s (Firestock Radios for Fire Crews)
ICOM:
F3161
Satellite Phones
Qualcomm
GSP-1600 Globalstar Satellite Phone
Motorola
9505A Iridium Satellite Phone
Mobile Radios
Kenwood:
TK-780 (Ministry Standard)
Kenwood:
TK-7180 (Ministry Standard)
Kenwood:
NX-700
Air-Band Handhelds
ICOM:
A3 and A4
ICOM F30GT Instructions
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TONES are labelled on the screen as ( Ton ## ).

Tones are channel specific.
Press P0 to access tones use channel up / down to change tone. Press
P0 to exit.
Tone off is indicated by ( Ton MR ) when P0 is pressed.
For example, to set the above radio to Tone 04 Select colour channel, press P0
then F2 or F3 until display shows Ton 04, then press P0. The tone is now set for
that channel.
ONLY USE TONES ON REPEATER (COLOUR and TYPE A FIRE REPEATER)
CHANNELS set channel then tone.
NEVER USE TONES ON METALLIC CHANNELS - SILVER, GOLD, COPPER,
NICKEL OR BRONZE.
The use of portables for logging road safety is strongly discouraged. (Limited range
and poor speaker volume) Use a mobile radio for this purpose.`
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Squelch should be good around level 150 - By increasing the number displayed
the radio will need a stronger signal in order to receive a call, reduce the number to
receive weaker signals.
Bank Selector Switch:
Selects channel bank. Bank number is shown at the top of the display and on the
rotary switch.
Channel Select:
Use the F2 Up and F3 Down keys to select the channel within the bank. Channels
within the bank can be directly entered from the keypad using three digits.
(001 for channel 1) Channel number is always shown on the display.
F0: Squelch Adjust
Press F0 for one second and use the Up/Down keys F2 and F3 to set the squelch
from 0-255. (The radio will unsquelch below about 72 and will squelch again
above about 90.) Press F0 for one second again to resume normal operation.
F1: Scan Start/Stop and Scan Group Select
Press F1 to begin scanning the set scan list (use P1 to set channels to be
scanned). Press and hold for 1 second to access scan group select then use
F2 up and F3 down to select scan group (allows you to create multiple custom
scan lists).
F2: Up key
For channel, CTCSS tone, squelch setting or scan group.
F3: Down key
For channel, CTCSS tone, squelch setting, or scan group.
P0: User CTCSS setting
Press P0 and use the up down keys to select tone. Press P0 again to resume
operation on the new tone. Only one channel is changed at a time and tone
remains until changed again. The tone is indicated in the display as Ton ## . Tone
MR is tone off and is indicated on the display as Ton .
P1: Scan Add/Delete
After selecting the scan group with the F1 key, press to toggle between Scan On
and Scan Off for desired scan channels. A line will appear in the top left when
added.
P2: High/Low Power
Press to toggle between Low1, Low2 and High power. Low1 and Low2 settings
will be indicated by a Low indication at the top of the display. Low1 is the lowest
power output.
P3: Keyboard Lock
Press and hold to lock keypad (you will see a small key icon appear on top of
the display). Press and hold again to release the lock.
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ICOM F3 and F3S Instructions
Note: the following is representative of all F3 and F3s radios used within the
NR Sector. The way the function buttons are programmed is now standard from
Region to Region.
ICOM F3S
ICOM F3
/: Channel up/down
- OR: Bank up/downThe Radios are divided into two banks of 16 channels.
: NOT USED
P0: CTCSS Tone Entry:
Press P0 to enable tone select.
Use the /buttons to select the tone.
Press P0 again to resume operation on the selected tone.
CtCH-mR indicates no tone present.
CAUTION: The same tone will be applied to ALL channels.
Fixing an incorrect tone on a repeater channel
If the radio does not appear to transmit on repeater channels:
Press P0 and check the repeater map to ensure you have set the radio for
the correct tone.
Press P0 to return to normal operation.
Try the radio again.
P1: SCAN
On/Off
P2: High / Low power output
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Use low power option to extend battery life.
P3: Keypad Lock
Press and hold a small key will show up in display.
A, B, C, D:
Not programmed for Fire Stock F3 radios.
Globalstar GSP-1600 Instructions
The Globalstar GSP-1600 is capable of satellite and cellular communications. Most

NR Sector Globalstars are enabled only on satellite mode.
Turning the phone on:
Press and hold the PWR button for about one second. The phone will start
looking for service.
Turning the phone off
Press and hold the PWR button until Powering Off appears on the display, then
release it.
Making satellite calls
1. Extend the antenna as shown in the Quick Reference Card.
2. Press and hold the PWR button for one second to turn the phone on
and wait for the phone to find service.
3. Call mode (satellite) should be automatically selected because the
cellular function is not enabled.
4. Enter the phone number and press SEND. All calls to BC will be
1-(area code)-number.
5. Press END to terminate the call.
6. All NR Sector Globalstars have a 403 area code.
Receiving satellite calls
Note: The Globalstar will not receive calls when the antenna is folded down.
For receive standby purposes, the phone can be positioned on its side for better
stability, as below:
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When a call is received, the phone rings, the indicator light flashes and Incoming
Call flashes on the screen until you answer the call. Press SEND to answer the call.
Press END to terminate the call.
Displaying the phone number:
Press the Info button to display the phone number.
Satellite signal level and battery level are shown on the top of the display.
For more complete information see the GSP-1600 User Guide.
Coverage:
Users have noted the coverage is less reliable reliable the further North you are
located. Coverage is further limited by obstructions such as buildings and foliage.
Users should be aware of these limitations when using the Globalstar Phone.
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Globalstar GSP-1600 Quick Reference Guide
(Reprinted with permission from Globalstar)
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Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone
The Iridium SAT phone is a competitor to the Globalstar phone and operates similarly.
There are differences to note however.
1. To turn the phone on press and hold the bottom - leftmost button (button
with a dot surrounded by a circle) until you see and/or hear activity.
2. Rotate the antenna to a vertical position as pictured in the Globalstar
instructions on page 20.
3. When little House icon appears in the lower centre of the display it is
ready to use.
4. All calls are entered as international calls.
5. To place a call press 00, followed by the country code, which is 1 for
Canada and the U.S., followed by the 10-digit number, then press the
OK button.
6. To end the call, press either the C or OK button.
7. To answer an incoming call, press the OK button.
8. If the antenna is stowed (in the down position) an attempted incoming
call may be heard as a chirp.
9. If this happens, immediately rotate the antenna to vertical, then wait for
the normal ring before trying to answer.
10. Consult the manual for more detailed information. The Radio
Operations website has the manual at http://gww.for.gov.bc.ca/his/radio/
- User TRAINING and Information Iridium User Guide.
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Kenwood TK-7180 / NX700 - Province Wide Use
Kenwood TK-780 - Regional Use
Details of Radio Operation (TK-7180/NX700 & TK-780)

1.
2.
3.
4.
On/Off
Tap to turn on, tap to turn off.
Activity Light
Normally off. Turns red when you key the mic to talk. Turns green when
other people are talking.
Volume Up/Down
Up for louder, down for quieter.
Bank Number
Shows which group of channels you are using. Use 14 to change
banks.
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5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Channel Number
Shows which channel in the group is active. Use 16 to change
channels.
Scan Marker
Shows that the current channel is marked for scan. See 13.
Tone Marker
Shows that a Tone is selected for the current channel (telephone
handset symbol)
Low Power Marker
Shows that the current channel is set to Low Power, as required for
certain Resource Road Radio Channels. Information only, user cannot
adjust.
Speaker
Use 3 to adjust.
Mic Jack
To remove mic (microphone), pull back rubber boot, depress locking
tab, and pull microphone out. Mic may be removed overnight to
discourage thieves.
Squelch Button
Tap 11 to open Squelch Menu, use 16 to change selection, tap 11
again to close Squelch Menu. Increase number to filter out weak and
scratchy signals. Default level is 5.
Tone Button
A tone is like a key and is only used to access NR Sector repeaters,
tones must be turned off for all other channels.
Tap 12 to open Tone Menu, use 16 to change selection, tap 12 to close
Tone Menu and return to channel display
The user must select the correct channel for their location of work, and
then set the Tone manually for each repeater
If you are using a shared vehicle, check the Tone settings for the
channels you will be using before you leave the office
Scan Add/Delete
Tap to mark or unmark a channel for scan, See 6. Use 15 to start
scanning.
Bank Buttons
Use to increase or decrease the bank of channels you are in. (Like
pages in a book)
Scan Button
Starts the scanning process. Use 13 to add/delete channels in the scan
list.
At least two channels need to be marked for scan.
Never scan while travelling a radio controlled road.
Up/Down
Use to change channel selection, Tone selection (see 7) or Squelch
selection (see 11).
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Government of BC

ICOM A4 Operating Instructions
ICOM A4
/: Channel up/down, or frequency select.
V/M: Push to select memory mode or frequency select (VFO) mode.
In memory mode, the channel number will be displayed, and the channel can be
selected using the up/down keys.
In VFO mode, holding the button for two sec. will select the digit to change with
the up/down buttons.
MW:
Memory write switch. Dial in the frequency in VFO mode, then push and hold for
5 sec. to write to memory. Use up/down to select the memory channel you want
to write to, then push the MW button again for 5 seconds.
SCAN: Starts and stops scan function
SQL:
Push and hold to open squelch. While holding; up/down may be used to set the
squelch level.
Troubleshooting / Maintenance and Repair

Handheld Radios
If you can not communicate on your radio check the following before calling
your nearest IMB Communication Services Radio Technician:
1. The Obvious:
a. Are you on the correct colour (channel), or simplex channel?
b. Do you have the correct tone for the area in which you are operating?
c. Never use tones on Silver, Gold, Copper, Nickel or Bronze.
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Government of BC

2. Radio Coverage:
a. You may be out of range of the repeater. If you are using a repeater
remember repeater coverage far exceeds that of a Handheld. You
may be able to hear the repeater but they can not hear you.
b. You may be out of range of another simplex user. Heavy foliage or
deep drainages can reduce your ability to communicate. Find a high
ground elevation point and try again, or move to a repeater channel.
3. Antennas:
a. Make sure the antenna is connected - ensure the connector is snug
(do not overtighten).
b. Make sure the antenna is not broken. A faulty antenna (rubber
coating) will usually show visible damage.
c. Ensure your antenna is in a vertical position when transmitting and
receiving.
4. Microphones:
If the unit has an external microphone or a Speaker Mic, there could be a
break in the microphone cable.
a. Try the radio with the Speaker-Mic unplugged (Handheld Radio Only)
b. If a replacement microphone is available - try it.
5. Batteries: (See Appendix G)
A common problem is weak but not dead batteries.
a. Replace the batteries and try again.
b. If replacement batteries are not available - put the radio into lowpower mode and try once more.
c. Check for corrosion on the battery terminals caused by leaking
batteries.
Follow the procedure in the section on Leaking Batteries in Appendix G.
If you are unsuccessful:
a. Write a note identifying the problem.
b. Attach the note to the radio.
c. Exchange it for a replacement unit by contacting your nearest
Regional or Headquarters Radio Technician (See page 2 for contact
names).
CALL SIGNS
It is against the law to transmit an unidentified signal.
The call-sign must be given when establishing contact and when signing off.
Obtaining a Call-Sign
For Regional, District, Branch or Headquarters call signs, please call the Radio
General Services number on the inside front cover of this manual.
Note: A Radio Call Sign Management Plan is under development. When

completed, new instructions for how to obtain a Call Sign will be forwarded to
you. When you receive them, please print them and store them in the pouch in
the back cover of this manual.
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Government of BC

Wildfire Management Branch Call-signs
Wildfire Management Branch Fire Centres staff: These call-signs are

issued by Call Centres for their staff they must not conflict with the Radio
Call Sign Management Plan.
RULES OF OPERATION
Ministry Use Policy
General Policy
The Ministry prohibits the discussion of policy, policy interpretation, or personnel

matters over the radio system. If there is any doubt about whether a message
should be sent over the radio system, either do not send it, or discuss it with your
supervisor first.
Note: The NR Sector radio system simulates a conference call where everyone
can hear all who are using the radio system. Many people may be listening
into your conversation and you have no way of knowing who they are or which
company they may work for.
Road Frequency Use Policy
A Road Frequency (or Road Channel or Resource Road Channel) is the frequency
which must be used on a logging road by an authorized logging operator for use
by personnel to carry on day-to-day operations. Logging trucks are required to
use this frequency (as defined by WorkSafeBC regulation Article 26.83 (1)) to
advise others in an active logging area of their whereabouts. Other logging road
users are required to use this radio channel in compliance with Forest Service
Road Use Regulation B.C. Reg. 173/95 Use of 2-Way Radio
(WorkSafeBC Traffic Control Systems: - Article 26.83 (1))

When 2 or more vehicles are using a section of a road which is too
narrow to permit them to pass, an effective traffic control system must
be used by all vehicles on the road. The traffic control system must
include instructional signs, including kilometre and road name/number
signs, and the radio frequency for traffic control.
(Forest Service Road Use Regulation) B.C. Reg. 173/95 - 5 Use of 2-way radio)
A driver on a Forest Service road who uses a 2-way radio to communicate
with other drivers on the road must announce, in accordance with any
road markers posted at intervals along the road:
(a) his or her position and,
(b) the branch of the road being travelled if the radios signal can be
received on an adjacent branch of the road.
To comply with this regulation, the Ministry requires that personnel driving on an
active logging road (as defined in Article 26.83 above) are required to monitor
road frequency operating in the area. You must announce Location, Branch
and Direction of Travel.
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Government of BC

To ensure compliance, the road channel must be monitored at all times while on
the logging road except while stopped off the road in a pull-out area.
The road frequency must be posted at the base of the logging road or at the
entrance to the logging area. If the logging road you access does not have the
logging road frequency clearly posted, you are requested to advise a NR Sector
District Office.
Important Narrowband Policy Notice
The NR Sector radio network and radios are narrowband compliant with Industry
Canada regulations for Phase I Narrowbanding.
Use of wideband radios on the radio network must not occur.
For safety reasons, if you were planning to use your own VHF radio you
MUST have it approved by a IMB Communications services Technician
prior to putting it into service, and you must have a Letter of Authority if you
are not part of a fire fighting crew.
All aircraft using the NR Sector radio network and simplex channels must
ensure their VHF channels operate in narrowband mode.
Aircraft operating wideband radios are not to be utilized due to the potential
for a communications failure.
WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH FIRE COMMUNICATIONS

See APPENDIX J for information on the following:
First Contact Communications
Interagency Fires and Interface Fires
Non Interagency and Interface Fires
Ongoing Fire-line Communications
Provincial Fire Control Centre (PFCC - Fire Season Only)
OBTAINING AND RETURNING A RADIO

Radio Sign out Policy and Procedures
Obtaining or Returning a Radio (Non Fire Stock)
All portable and mobile radios are available from and assigned by your local
IMB Communication Services radio shop.
IMB Communication Services radio techs will see to the proper
programming of channels and, in the case of mobiles, the installation in the
vehicle.
Only radios acquired from IMB Communication Services may be used due
to licensing restrictions.
Portable radios should be taken to the radio shop yearly for preventative
maintenance and possible updating of the channel line-up, October through
March.
When a portable radio is no longer needed it should be returned to the radio
shop.
Mobile radios should be taken in the vehicle to the shop for removal by a
Government of BC
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Radio Tech. Alternately arrangements may be made with the radio shop for
a tech to come to the site to remove the radio.

If you break, lose, misplace or have a radio stolen you must:

You must fill out a Property Loss Form FIN-597.
You must give the form to the Regional Superintendent/Manager
responsible for Radio Operations or call the General services number at
1-866-952-6801.
Branch staff should give a copy to their Branch Manager and a copy to the
Manager of Radio Operations in Victoria.
Keep a copy.
Finding a Radio that does not belong to you
If you find a NR Sector radio with no apparent owner, call the number on the side
of the radio and follow instructions, turn it in to the nearest radio shop or phone
1-866-952-6801 and leave a message as instructed.
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APPENDIX A - CALL SIGN ASSIGNMENTS
Northern Interior Forest Region - Base Call Signs
Location
Fort Nelson
Charlie Lake
Dawson Creek
Mackenzie
Vanderhoof
Fort St. James
Prince George
Burns Lake
Terrace
Smithers
Usual Call Sign

Fort Nelson
Charlie Lk Field Office
Dawson Creek
Mackenzie
Vanderhoof
Fort St. James
Prince George
Nadina
XLV67 Kalum
Skeena
Legal Call Sign

XMQ85
CIT788
XLT29
XLT304
XLT28
XLT85
XMW65
XLT31
XLV67
VBH321
Southern Interior Forest Region Base Call Signs

Location
Williams Lake
Quesnel
Alexis Creek
Kamloops
Clearwater
100 Mile House
Merritt
Vernon
Revelstoke
Castlegar
Cranbrook
Nelson
Usual Call Sign

Williams Lake
Quesnel
Chilcotin
Kamloops
Headwaters
100 Mile
Merritt
Okanagan-Shuswap
XLT78 Revelstoke
XLW61 Castlegar
XLT82 Cranbrook
XLU76 Nelson
Legal Call Sign

VEC909
XLU72
XLW34
XLT52
XLU29
XLY72
VAQ838
XLV38
XLT78
XLW61
XLT82
XLU76
Coast Forest Region Base Call Signs

Location
Bella Coola
Chilliwack
Cobble hill
Squamish
Queen Charlotte City
Campbell River
Port Alberni
Powell River
Port McNeill
Prince Rupert
Usual Call Sign

XLZ60
XMW348 Chilliwack
Cobble Hill
Squamish
XLZ63
XLV60 Campbell River
XLT40 Port Alberni
XLT33 Powell River
XLY78 Port McNeill
XLV65 North Coast
Legal Call Sign

XLZ60
XMW348
CFR797
XLU22
XLZ63
XLV60
XLT40
XLT33
XLY78
XLV65
Usual Call Sign

North West Fire Centre
Prince George Fire Centre
Cariboo Fire Centre
Kamloops Fire Centre
South East Fire Centre
Coastal Fire Centre
Legal Call Sign

VXC30
XLT26
XMW333
XLT67
VXE24
VDI758
Fire Centre - Call Signs

Location
Northwest
Prince George
Cariboo
Kamloops
Southeast
Coastal
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Government of BC

APPENDIX B - SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR FIELD STAFF
(Workers Well-being)
Personnel operating vehicles on logging roads must have their
vehicle equipped with a mobile radio programmed with the required
logging channels for the area in which they are operating. For safety
purposes, handheld portable radios must not to be used for road
channel communications on logging roads or Resource Roads.
WorkSafeBC (Formerly WCB) Requirements

WorkSafeBC: Accident Prevention Regulations: - Article 8.32
Workers Working Alone Checking workers well-being
Where a worker is employed under conditions which present a
significant hazard of disabling injury, and when the worker might
not be able to secure assistance in the event of injury or other
misfortunes, the employer shall provide a means of periodically
checking the well-being of the worker. Checks shall be made at such
intervals and by such means as are appropriate to the nature, hazard
and circumstances of the employment.
The current NR Sector procedure is four (4) check-ins per day at two hour intervals.
For aircraft the check-in period is reduced to every 30 minutes.
Note: Check with the specific District and Fire Control Centre to obtain local
area check-in procedures.
District Office Obligations:
Normal office hours for District Offices may vary. It is important that you establish
and check the work hours for the District in which you will be working. If you are
required to work outside these normal office hours, ensure you have established and
confirmed a check-in procedure with your supervisor and that you have advised the
District Office. The District Office should be advised of your Call-Sign.
WorkSafeBC First Aid Regulations: - Article 33.5 (1)

There shall be an effective means of communication between the
location of the First Aid Attendant and the work areas served.
Ask your work group leader, fire boss or supervisor about the procedure and how to
test this communications link. NR Sector radios are an effective method of providing
communications to ensure the well-being of persons working in isolation.
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APPENDIX C NATURAL RESOURCE SECTOR FREQUENCIES
Standard Radio Channel Line-ups
ICOM F3/F3s and ICOM Mobiles Frequency Line-Up (Revised Nov 2010)
Bank 1:
Position
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8
Channel 9
Channel 10
Channel 11
Channel 12
Channel 13
Channel 14
Channel 15
Channel 16
Name
Red
Purple
Green
Pink
Blue
Orange
Brown
Yellow
Gray
Black
White
Gold
Silver
Copper
Nickel
Bronze
Transmit
163.065 MHz
163.095 MHz
163.125 MHz
163.185 MHz
163.215 MHz
163.275 MHz
163.305 MHz
163.335 MHz
163.365 MHz
163.395 MHz
163.530 MHz
163.830 MHz
163.890 MHz
164.910 MHz
159.270 MHz
163.980 MHz
Receive
163.935 MHz
163.965 MHz
163.995 MHz
164.055 MHz
164.085 MHz
164.145 MHz
164.175 MHz
164.205 MHz
164.235 MHz
164.265 MHz
162.585 Mhz
163.830 MHz
163.890 MHz
164.910 MHz
159.270 MHz
163.980 MHz
Bank 2:
Position
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8
Channel 9
Channel 10
Channel 11
Name
Fire A1
Fire A2
Fire A3
Fire B1
Fire B2
Fire B3
Gold
Silver
Copper
Nickel
Bronze
Transmit
162.930 MHz
162.690 MHz
163.905MHz
169.950 MHz
171.030 MHz
172.050 MHz
163.830 MHz
163.890 MHz
164.910 MHz
159.270 MHz
163.980 MHz
Temporarily
User Defined
Receive
167.670 MHz
166.710 MHz
168.885 MHz
169.950 MHz
171.030 MHz
172.050 MHz
163.830 MHz
163.890 MHz
164.910 MHz
159.270 MHz
163.980 MHz
Temporarily
User Defined
Channel 12-16
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Government of BC

F30GT Handheld and Kenwood TK-780, TK-7180 (Revised: Feb 2010)
Bank 1
Position
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8
Channel 9
Channel 10
Channel 11
Channel 12
Channel 13
Channel 14
Channel 15
Channel 16
Channel 17
Channel 18
Channel 19
Channel 20
Channel 21
Channel 22
Channel 23
Channel 24
Channel 25
Name
Red
Purple
Green
Pink
Blue
Orange
Brown
Yellow
Gray
Black
White
Gold
Silver
Copper
Nickel
Bronze
Fire A1
Fire A2
Fire A3
Fire B1
Fire B2
Fire B3
FireCom
OFC RPTR
Primary Use:
Reserved for Future
Applications
Transmit
163.065 MHz
163.095 MHz
163.125 MHz
163.185 MHz
163.215 MHz
163.275 MHz
163.305 MHz
163.335 MHz
163.365 MHz
163.395 MHz
163.530 MHz
163.830 MHz
163.890 MHz
164.910 MHz
159.270 MHz
163.980 MHz
162.930 MHz
162.690 MHz
163.905 MHz
169.950 MHz
171.030 MHz
172.050 MHz
155.460 MHz
155.460 MHz
Receive
163.935 MHz
163.965 MHz
163.995 MHz
164.055 MHz
164.085 MHz
164.145 MHz
164.175 MHz
164.205 MHz
164.235 MHz
164.265 MHz
162.585 MHz
163.830 MHz
163.890 MHz
164.910 MHz
159.270 MHz
163.980 MHz
167.670 MHz
166.710 MHz
168.885 MHz
169.950 MHz
171.030 MHz
172.050 MHz
155.460 MHz
150.350 MHz
Secondary Use:
User Defined
Secondary Use:
User Defined
Channel 26 - ?
User Defined
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User Defined
Government of BC

F30GT and Kenwood TK-780, TK-7180 Bank Lineup
Icom F30GT/Kenwood TK-780
Bank#
Channel Lineup
1
NR Sector
2
Road Safety
3
LAD
4
Company Repeaters
5
Road Safety Scratch
6
Misc Scratch
7
Radio Tel
8
MoE
9-12
13
Weather Broadcast
14
PEP / S&R
15
Fire Department
16
Loading / Unloading
17
Resource Road
Kenwood TK-7180
Bank#
Channel Lineup
1
NR Sector
2-25
Road Safety (Arranged by Freq)
26
LAD
27
PEP / S&R
28
Weather Broadcast
29
Loading / Unloading
30
Resource Road
31
MoE
32
Road Safety Scratch
UHF Fire Repeater Frequencies

RepeaterType
Handheld Transmit
Handheld Receive
Type A UHF alpha
457.325 MHz
452.325 MHz
Type A UHF bravo
457.375 MHz
452.375 MHz
NOTE: The Alpha and Bravo frequencies are also used to link Types A-2 and A-3
fire repeaters as required.
VHF AM Air Frequencies
(Air to ground Fire or emergency use only)

Air-to-Ground
1 Project Fires Rotary
FS632 2012
Transmit
122.050 MHz
122.400 MHz
122.850 MHz
122.900 MHz
34
Receive
122.050 MHz
122.400 MHz
122.850 MHz
122.900 MHz
Government of BC

CTCSS Tones
(Accessing District Repeater Channels)

The following tones need to be enabled in your mobile or handheld unit for you to
access a District repeater system.
Tone
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Frequency
114.8 Hz
123.0 Hz
131.8 Hz
141.3 Hz
151.4 Hz
162.2 Hz
173.8 Hz
186.2 Hz
192.8 Hz
Important: District tones must be used by all land and air users to communicate
on the Ministrys Regional radio repeater channels.
Tones may be put into effect on fire repeater channels if radio interference
develops during fires.
Tones are never used on the simplex channels, identified by metallic
names: Silver, Gold, Copper, Nickel and Bronze.
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Government of BC

APPENDIX D STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
General Information
Most of the radios used by NR Sector are either VHF (very high frequency) or UHF
(ultra high frequency). The radio you use is capable of communicating from a few
hundred feet to many kilometres.
CAUTION: Do not use a radio without an antenna attached. Do not
hold a radio by its antenna.
Your ability to communicate is impacted by factors such as:
Are you line-of-sight with the person with whom you are trying to
communicate?
Are there trees, foliage, rocks or hills between you and the intended
receiver (Obstructions do reduce the effectiveness of radios to
communicate)?
Are you in a gully or on a higher knoll? The higher your elevation (and your
radio) the better success you will have in communicating.
If you are at the end of a Districts repeater system you may experience
up to a second delay as the entire district repeater system turns on.
Speaking too soon before the entire system has turned on may result in the
first second of your message being lost. In these situations hold the Mic
button down for second before you begin speaking.
Antenna location is important
If you have the radio on your belt or in a chest pack, your body will absorb
some of the signal which will limit the radios effectiveness. Try holding the
radio up and away from your body.
Are you holding your radio horizontal or vertical? (i.e. Is your antenna
horizontal or vertical.) The NR Sector radio system uses vertical
polarisation for person-to-person communications - holding your
radio sideways with the antenna horizontal will reduce your ability to
communicate effectively.
Once you have established contact keep the radio in that location until you are
finished your conversation.
Remember, hearing a voice transmission does not guarantee that you will be able to
talk with the other person.
Vehicle mobiles have more output power than a handheld radio and better antenna
systems improving chances of providing you with successful communications.
District Radio Repeater Systems

Description and Operation
A radio repeater receives a radio signal and re-transmits that signal.

Most NR Sector mountain-top repeaters are UHF between mountains, UHF to VHF
on drop link repeaters and VHF to VHF for localised or fire repeaters.
Selecting Tones
Your radio must be on the correct tone to communicate with a District
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repeater:
Look at the Regional or District repeater map and determine where you are
and which repeater colour channel will work best for the area you are in.
Once you know your location you will see a tone indicator in the coloured
area a code value specifying the District tone. It will be from T1 to T9.
Look in the key and you will see the corresponding tone value if you need it.
Propagation Characteristics
UHF signals require close to line-of-sight operation, more so than VHF

signals which are at lower frequencies.
Radio signals will bounce of rock faces or large surfaces.
VHF signals, being lower in frequency, have better foliage penetration and
refraction capabilities than UHF signals. This can allow their coverage to
increase beyond the physical line of sight.
Figure No. 1
Figure No. 2
Radio coverage from a transmitter installed at a District Office could cover five to
thirty kilometres depending on the surrounding terrain and the height of the transmit
antenna.
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Government of BC
To extend the coverage to work areas further away a single repeater may be
incorporated. When the distance is too great for a single repeater more repeaters are
added. By establishing a series of repeater sites, radio coverage can be extended
over a large area.
The NR Sector identifies its various repeater channels by colours. For example, a
red channel is the same in the Northern Interior Forest Region as it is in the Southern
Interior Forest Region. Refer to the map supplement for the channel (colour) and
tone to use at your location.
Repeater Example
Figure No. 3
How a District Repeater System Works
The Process: (Refer to Figure 3) The District Office transmits on Black.

This is received by the BLACK Repeater which:
Retransmits the signal on BLACK
Transmits the signal to the GREEN Repeater on an UHF link channel
The GREEN Repeater Transmits the signal on GREEN to:
The portable (right of the GREEN Repeater)
The vehicle (left of the GREEN Repeater)
The PINK Repeater on another UHF link channel
The PINK Repeater receives the signal from the GREEN Repeater and:
Transmits the signal on PINK to the vehicle (right of the PINK Repeater)
Transmits to the helicopter
Note:
1. Your radio must be on the correct channel to communicate.
2. If you are operating into a District repeater system, you must also be on
the correct District tone. (Check the District map or with District Office
staff if you are uncertain).
3. Mobiles, portables and aircraft will usually use the nearest repeater
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Government of BC

channel to their present location.
To call the District Office back from the portable
The portable transmits on the GREEN. The signal travels up to the GREEN Repeater
which:
Sends a signal down to the (left) vehicle on the GREEN channel;
Links to the BLACK Repeater on the first link channel;
Links to the PINK Repeater on the second link channel;
The BLACK Repeater:
Transmits a signal on BLACK that will be received by the District Office.
The PINK Repeater:
Transmits a signal on PINK that will be received by the (right) vehicle and
the helicopter.
In Summary
When any radio in a District transmits and is heard on one repeater, all the repeaters
in the radio system retransmit the signal, each on its own colour channel.
Staff wishing to communicate and not use the repeater system must be in close
proximity to each other or within or near line-of-sight. In this case they would move
to a simplex channel (Gold, Silver, Copper, Nickel or Bronze) and communicate
directly. If this fails, the repeater system must then be used for communications.
Exceptions
Some districts have the ability to split their systems into two or more localized
systems for fire management or District administrative purposes. In these scenarios
you will only communicate with repeaters and staff operating in your portion of the
separated repeater system.
An example of difficult or marginal communications
If the portable is too far away, it may hear the repeater but not be able to talk to it
possibly due to the inherent low gains of portable antennas, a poor location or
possibly an incorrect antenna polarization. In this example the portable would hear
all the traffic on the channel but not be able to talk to anyone.
Terminology
Simplex Frequency
A single one-way radio channel. Your radio transmits a signal and receives a signal
on the same frequency but only one way at a time. Push the Mic button to talk
release it to listen. An example is the NR Sector GOLD channel, which transmits
and receives on 163.830 MHz.
Half-duplex Frequency
A 2-frequency system where you transmit and receive on separate frequencies - it is

not possible to talk and listen at the same time. An example is the NR Sector Red
channel which transmits on 163.065 MHz and receives on 163.935 MHz
Full Duplex Frequency
A 2-frequency system where you transmit and receive on separate frequencies. A
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Government of BC

duplexer is used allowing each user to talk and listen at the same time. An example
is a Telus AutoTel channel, which allows you to talk and listen at the same time.
DTMF Dual Tone Multi Frequency
DTMF also known as Touch Tone, are the tones that you hear when you dial a
push button phone. Some District repeater systems can be divided into two or more
separate repeater systems by sending the correct DTMF tone sequence to them.
When repeaters are separated in this manner each operates independently and
conversations on one subsystem will not be heard on the other(s), allowing for
greater repeater utilization.
Note: There is an administrative procedure to follow prior to splitting a District
repeater system.
VHF and UHF Frequencies
NR Sector VHF (Very High Frequencies) frequencies operate in the 150 MHz 174
MHz band and UHF (Ultra High Frequencies) operates in the 400 MHz 470 MHz
band.
Standard Voice Phrases to Use on the Radio System
When speaking on the radio, certain words and phrases have become standard. To
avoid ambiguity and confusion, the following should be learned and used:
ACKNOWLEDGE
Let me know that you have received and understood this

message.
AFFIRMATIVE
YES, agree, permission granted.
CLEAR
No further transmission from this station. Where possible

this should be preceded by the call sign of the speaking
person (i.e. BRAVO FOUR CLEAR).
CORRECTION
An error has been made in the previous message. The

correct version is... (Provide corrected version).
GO AHEAD
Continue - proceed with your message.
NEGATIVE
NO, permission not granted or NO I do not agree.
SAY AGAIN
Please re-transmit your last message.
RADIO CHECK
Please tell me how clearly you understand what I am

saying. (See also P.41)
ROGER or COPY
I have received and understand all of your last

transmission.
ROGER - OUT
I have received and understand all of your last

transmission and I have no need to communicate further
at this time.
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Government of BC

STANDBY
I am busy for a moment. Please wait and listen to the

radio until I can get back to you.
If more than one person is waiting it is a common practice
to also use their name or call sign(i.e. STANDBY John or
STANDBY Bravo 4, etc.).
STANDING BY
I have received your message to wait and will wait silently

until you get back to me.
CALL-SIGN OUT (Give your call sign and say the word OUT) My
conversation has ended and no further response is
expected.
OVER
My transmission is ended and I expect a response from

you.
Reception and Reception Quality Assessments

ALWAYS: Think Safety. Do a radio check before you begin driving, and prior to
entering a logging or Resource Road - Think of Safety First.
Everyone using a radio has heard the question - How do you read?
How does one respond? There is a 5 by 5 code (reprinted below) invented in
historic times for radio operators using AM radio, however it is awkward to use for
the average person and both sides of the conversation must be fluent in its use for
it to have any meaning.
A verbal description of reception conditions is perfectly acceptable or a simplified
version of the 5 code as noted may be used:
Level
Quality
Description
Level 5
Excellent
Loud and Clear
Level 4
Good
Easily understandable with some background noise
Level 3
Noisy
Understandable with difficulty
Level 2
Poor
Signal is chopping - missing words or phrases
Level 1
Unreadable
Cannot make out anything said
For reference purposes and the diehard, here is the full description of the 5 by 5
code. The first number derives from the first column, the second number from the
third.
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Level
Signal Strength
Level
Signal Readability
Loud
Clear
Good
Readable
Weak
Unreadable
Very Weak
Distorted
Fading
With Interference
Phonetic Alphabet
When a word is to be spelled, use the standard radio phonetic alphabet:

A
Alpha
Hotel
Oscar
Victor
Bravo
India
Papa
W Whiskey
Charlie
Juliet
Quebec
X-Ray
Delta
Kilo
Romeo
Yankee
Echo
Lima
Sierra
Zulu
Fox-trot
Mike
Tango
Golf
November
Uniform
Judgement is required in the use of the phonetic alphabet. In noisy or hard to

understand communications link use of this alphabet can improve the speed of
communications eliminating the need for repeats. Where communication is clear
the use of the phonetic alphabet can slow the message down as the alphabet use is
not necessary to understand the message.
In transmitting numerals clarity improves when certain syllables of some numbers
are emphasised. Those requiring special emphasis and articulation are as follows:
4 FOWer; 5 FIFe; 7 SEVen 9 NINer (with emphasis on capitals)
Sign In/Out (District Offices or Fire Control Centre)

District Office Staff
Each District Office has individual sign in/out procedures and it is the responsibility
of an employee travelling off highway in a district to be aware of and abide by the
procedures for the district in which he/she is travelling. See Appendix B. District
staff must be familiar with the procedures for their own district. If District staff plan
to travel off highway in a District that is not their own they must secure a copy of the
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procedures for the District in which they will be operating - prior to embarking on the
trip.
Note: Normal hours of work may vary from district office to district office.
Ensure you confirm your location and make check-out arrangements prior to the
Districts formal closing time.
Wildfire Management Staff
Wildfire Management staff may alternately check-in with the Fire Control Centre
during fire season as an alternate to a district office check-in.
Regional Staff and Headquarters Branch Staff
Regional and HQ Branch staff must follow the same procedures when traveling off
pavement in any District. Make sure you check yourself in with the District Office.
Check-in Examples
Note:
1. The correct order of called and calling station must always be
maintained.
2. When the stations involved are capable of multi-channel operation; the
transmitting station must also indicate the channel it will be using.
Example 1
You are from a Regional office and are establishing communications with the Port
Alberni Forest District Office:
XLT40 Port Alberni, (Give your pre-assigned Call Sign such as 1Alpha6 or
1Romeo32).
1Alpha6 - XLT 40 - Go Ahead.
I will be in the area until (Specify Time Using 24 Hour Clock).
I will check back at (Specify Time Using 24 Hour Clock).
Roger 1Alpha6 XLT 40 Alberni Clear.
Example 2
Dispatchers, District Offices and Safety Officers should repeat check-in information
back to field staff or aircraft checking-in to ensure correct information has been
received:
XLT43 this is aircraft XRL off Disneyland to Knotts Berry Farm, ETA 14:00,
over.
Roger, XRL off Disneyland to Knotts Berry Farm, ETA 14:00, XLT43 out.
Example 3
Coastal Call Centre calls Port Alberni Office:
XLT 40 Port Alberni VDI 758 Coastal Dispatch Centre.
VDI 758 Coastal Call Centre - XLT 40 Go Ahead.
Example 4
Kalum District Office tries to call mobile 2Bravo4:
2Bravo4 - XLV 67 Kalum (pauses 10 seconds-no response).
2Bravo4 - XLV 67 Kalum.
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XLV67 Kalum 2Bravo4 - Go Ahead.
Example 5
100 Mile District Office calls Timothy Lookout:
XMJ 88 Timothy Lookout - XLY 22 100 Mile.
Stations constantly working together and expecting calls at any time may
drop the location name (i.e. XMJ 88 or XLY 22).
Example 6
7Romeo32 wants to communicate to the Queen Charlottes District on yellow:
XLZ 63 Queen Charlottes - 7Romeo32 on yellow.
No Response Example
Example 1
Kalum District Office tries to call mobile 2Bravo4 but no one answers:
XLV67 Kalum Clear.
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APPENDIX E TO OBTAIN RADIO SERVICES
For Regional Radio Support
Please use the quick reference page inside the front cover of this book in order
to talk to a person regarding emergency Radio Network Service and Support for
Wildfires or other NR Sector related emergencies.
For Information
For answers to most Radio Network questions, or for information on how to obtain
Radio Network services you can contact your regional Superintendent or you can
call the Radio General Services number (Inside Front Cover). For example, for
questions regarding any of the following:
General information on: Repeater Maps, Training
Radio System coverage or link path profiles
How to obtain a Handheld or Modile radio
Call sign information
Radio repair, programming or maintenance
Information on radio communications between regions
Evaluation of specific radio or communication business needs
To obtain more Radiocommunication FIeld Handbooks
Coordination with other emergency agencies
Provision of a Fire Repeater
Provision of FIre Stock Handhelds for fire line communications
Information on obtaining and using Globalstar & Iridium handheld radios
Any other question you may have
To Obtain Radio Services
Please contact the Radio General Services number to obtain Radio Network
Services. The following are some examples:
Letters of Authority (To use the Radio Network)
Radio Licensing
Radio repair, reprogramming, maintenance or spare parts
Addition and removal of channels from your radio
Repair and maintenance of the Radio Network repeater system
Provision of radio equipment for forest fires
Fire Camp and Fire Communications (PETUNIA & IRIS) setup
Online Information
The CSNR Information Management Branch, Radio Operations intranet home page
can be found at: http://gww.for.gov.bc.ca/his/radio/index.htm
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PETUNIA and IRIS
PETUNIA - Provinvial Emergency Telecommunications Unit

No Internet Available
IRIS - Integrated Radio Interoperability System
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APPENDIX F KNOWING MORE ABOUT YOUR RADIO
Squelch Control
The purpose of the squelch control is to quiet the noise that radios generate when
not receiving a signal.
All NR Sector radios have a squelch control however this control is not always
accessible to the operator. Those radios with internal squelch control will have
been pre-set by a radio technician. Some manufacturers combine the on/off switch,
squelch control and the volume control as one switch.
PTT (Push-To-Talk) Button
The PTT button is depressed when you wish to transmit a message to another user.
The button is located on the side of the handheld radio or if you have a remote Mic,
it is located at the end of a coiled cord on the side of the microphone.
Monitor Button
Some radios have a Monitor button or switch that will disable the receiver tone
coding function (CTCSS) (See more on CTCSS under OPERATING PROCEDURES
pages 9-10). On some radios this function will disable the squelch, allowing the
speaker to generate a loud hiss or roar.
Channel Selector or Key Pad
Channel selection on most radios is with either a numbered rotary switch or with an
up/down arrow the channel being displayed on the front screen.
Some radios have a key pad for channel or the frequency (if enabled) selection. On
the keypad, press the channel number(s) then enter to select a channel.
Antennas
The antenna radiates power (a radio signal) into the air without it your radio will be
unable to properly transmit or receive and your message will not be heard. Radio
signals, like visible light, can be polarised. Mobile communications use vertical
polarisation - therefore the antenna on the radio needs to be in a near vertical
position for best communications.
Antennas have a specified length which correlates to the wavelength used for
communications. Antenna lengths should only be altered by qualified radio
technicians. Telescopic antennas should be used in extended mode (length is
critical). Care must also be given to avoid damage to the antenna connector.
Contact the Superintendent of Electronics or a NR Sector Radio Technician for more
information regarding various antenna options.
Important:
Never hold your radio by the antenna
Do not transmit if there is no antenna on the radio
Hi Lo Power Switch
Some radios have a Hi-Lo Power switch or button which changes the output power
of the unit. The Lo position should be used when communicating in close proximity
to another receiver. The Hi position should be used to extend the transmission
range. Using the Hi position will greatly reduce battery life.
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Batteries
Hand held radios may also use rechargeable Lithium batteries. These should be
recharged after four to eight hours of use. An AC charger is supplied with each
unit and in-vehicle chargers are available. If you have no charger, batteries can
be removed and sent in to the local IMB Communication services radio shop for a
charge.
Instructions for the removal of batteries vary somewhat from one unit to another but
most unclip at the back or bottom`.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium Batteries should NOT be left in chargers for an extended period of time.
They should be removed from the charger, ideally after three hours or after theyve
reached a full charge. Further, the batteries may be recharged after a partial
discharge without danger of memory issues. Frequent recharging of the battery will
extend its life.
Important:
Rechargeable batteries are not to be discarded in the garbage but are to be
given to your Radio Technician.
Return defective batteries to your Radio Technician.
Leaking Batteries
Remove all batteries in a pack, even if only one has leaked.

If you are unable to return the unit to the nearest radio shop then:
Completely disassemble the battery holder and/or compartment;
Wash with baking soda and water (or CLR cleaner), brush and remove
loose corrosion;
Sand and clean all corroded metal;
Thoroughly rinse and dry the unit;
Install new batteries and tag the unit for investigation of continuing damage.
If leaking cells are found in a Portable and you do not have a replacement battery
pack: Clean as above - otherwise replace it with a new pack and return the damaged
one to a radio shop.
Vehicle Power Supplies
All vehicle mobile radios run off your vehicle battery and are protected by an in-line
fuse on the positive (red) wire.
Power to a vehicle radios may or may not be routed through the ignition switch of
the vehicle, you should know whether your radio is or is not powered through the
ignition switch. To check:
Turn your ignition off;
If you can still talk on and listen to your radio the ignition switch has been
bypassed.
This will allow you to monitor the radio system without having the keys in the ignition.
Leaving the radio on will drain the battery in 8 to 72 hours depending on the radio,
your battery condition and the outside air temperature.
Important: If your mobile unit is not wired through the ignition switch, it is a
good habit to shut off the radio when you leave the vehicle for an extended
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period of time.
Trunk Mounted Units
The physical radio will be located in the trunk or under/behind the seat. A control
head will be mounted in the vehicle dash area.
Fused battery leads run to both the control head and to the radio mounted in the
trunk / seat area.
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APPENDIX G EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
The following provides basic information for all persons utilizing the NR Sector Radio
network. A working knowledge of this information must be maintained by all users
of the radio network.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Use of emergency procedures in land communications is very rare.

A station in distress should make use of any means at its disposal to attract
attention, to make known its position and obtain assistance.
Use the frequency you would normally use but if unable to establish
communications, use ANY other frequency at your disposal.
Levels of Distress
Each level is identified using the appropriate and internationally understood

terminology: MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, or SECURITY.
The distress term used indicates the degree of distress or urgency and when
transmitted, is always repeated three times.
A distress communiqu when transmitted, it is immediately followed by the distress
stations call sign and location or coordinates.
The Distress Signals
The average NR Sector employee or fire fighter will rarely if ever find the need to
impose a radio silence. You are however, expected to thoroughly remember how
to deal with an emergency and to request immediate assistance by transmitting
MAYDAY.
You need to know:
How to proceed with MAYDAY distress transmissions;
How operators impose radio silence;
The correct procedure for canceling a MAYDAY.
MAYDAY
In radio communications MAYDAY spoken three times is a life-threatening distress

signal. It needs to be followed by THIS IS, then your call-sign or the call sign of the
station in distress, repeated three times.
This signal indicates:
Personnel are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require
immediate assistance.
Personnel are aware of a camp, vehicle, ship, aircraft, etc. threatened by
grave and imminent danger that requires immediate assistance.
PAN-PAN
In radio communications PAN-PAN spoken three times indicates that a calling

station has a very urgent message to transmit concerning or advising of possible
jeopardy to life.
PAN-PAN is used only on the authority of command personnel. The urgency signal
will be followed by a message giving details of the situation.
SECURITY
In radio communications SECURITY spoken three times indicates the station

calling is about to transmit a message concerning safety of navigation, road alerts,
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or weather warnings.
All stations hearing the safety signal must continue to monitor the frequency until
satisfied that the safety transmission does not affect them.
Acknowledging or Receiving a Distress Message:
When acknowledging receipt of a distress message, the receiving station will:
Transmit MAYDAY.
The call sign of the station in distress three times.
The words THIS IS (give the call sign of the acknowledging station three
times)
The words RECEIVED MAYDAY
A Distress Message
Allow time for any nearby station to respond. If not acknowledged:

Immediately acknowledge the transmission;
Take all possible action to notify the appropriate rescue authorities;
Make notes of the transmission, (Include time and details).
Radio Silence
The station in distress, or any station in the immediate vicinity, may impose silence on
a particular station. This procedure is imposed if communication traffic is interfering
with the distress transmission.
Should radio silence be imposed during a distress situation, all traffic not associated
with the distress transmission must cease immediately.
Imposing Radio Silence
A request for radio silence is addressed to ALL STATIONS or to a particular station
if it can be identified.
The station in distress will use the expression SILENCE MAYDAY or
SEELONCE MAYDAY an internationally understood term.
Other stations imposing silence during a distress situation will use the
expression SILENCE DISTRESS or SEELONCE DISTRESS.
Canceling Radio Silence
When a station is no longer in distress, the station which transmitted the distress
signal and any station which relayed the distress message, will transmit an ALL
STATIONS message advising that the distress traffic has ended.
Procedure for canceling the distress message is:
The word MAYDAY (Transmitted only once)
The words ALL STATIONS (Repeated three times)
The words THIS IS (call sign of the station transmitting)
The filing time of the original distress message.
The call sign of the ship, aircraft, vehicle, that had been in distress.
A short description of why the distress situation is being canceled.
the words SILENCE FINISHED
the word OUT
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APPENDIX H - FOREST REGION MAP SUPPLEMENT
2011 Region/District Layout

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Coast Forest Region

Maps
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Coast Forest Region
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DCK - Chilliwack
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DSQ - Squamish
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DSC - Sunshine Coast
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DSI - South Island
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DCR - Campbell River
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DNI - North Island Central Coast
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DNC - North Coast
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DHG - Haida Gwaii
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Northern Interior
Forest Region Maps
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Northern Interior Forest Region
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DKM - Kalum
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DSS South - Skeena Stikine
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DND - Nadina
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DVA - Vanderhoof
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DJA - Fort St James
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DPG - Prince George
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DMK - Mackenzie
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DPC - Peace
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DFN - Fort Nelson
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DSS North - Skeena Stikine
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Southern Interior
Forest Region Maps
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Southern Interior Forest Region
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DQU - Quesnel
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DCH - Chilcotin
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DCC - Central Cariboo
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DMH - 100 Mile House
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DHW - Headwaters
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DCO - Columbia
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DCS - Cascades
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DKA - Kamloops
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DOS - Okanagan Shuswap
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DAB - Arrow Boundary
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DKL - Kootenay Lake
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DRM - Rocky Mountain
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Field Notes
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APPENDIX I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH UPDATES
FIRE COMMUNICATIONS
Man Power & Equipment Mobilization Plan
Please consult the Wildland Firefighting Resources manual - FS-733

1. Know The Radio Communication Plans
2. Know When To Add Radio Manpower Resources
3. Know What Communication Resources Are Available
4. Know When To Add Radio Equipment Resources
First-Contact Communications
Office of the Fire Commissioner
OFC-1
155.460 mHz is the first contact channel/frequency and remains as

the OFC designated Coordination and Control channel/frequency on
interface and interagency fires.
OFC-2
150.350 mHz is the OFC designated Command and Control channel/

frequency on interface fires
OFC-R
OFC-R is the designated Command and Control repeater channel

on interface and interagency fires as determined by an incident
commander or the OFC
SILVER
163.890 mHz is the secondary contact channel with Wildfire

Management Branch on interface/interagency fires.
Interagency Fires and Interface Fires

Effective 2005 the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) has specified that for
all Interagency and Interface fires inbound personnel and aircraft making first
contact will communicate on the OFC Coordination and Control channel.
Non-Interagency and Non-Interface Fires
The OFC ruling does not impact communications which are within the forest and
do not involve non-NR Sector personnel. Non-Interagency / Non-Interface fires
should continue to use the standard NR Sector channels to communicate.
Ongoing Fire-Line Communications
The Forest Service implemented in 2004 a new communication plan procedure to

improve fire-line communications. The procedure defines:
Two plans - Plan A and Plan B for improving fire-line communications;
When to add radio manpower resources;
What communication resources are available;
When to add radio equipment resources;
A copy of this plan is in the Wildland Fire Fighting Resources book.
Wildfire Management Fire Control Centre (PWCC - Fire Season Only)
To further improve fire communications additional radio resources will be put on duty
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by the PWCC to coordinate radio communication requirements between fire centres
and between fire centres and IMB Communication services radio staff and to provide
assistance to Fire Centres on radio communication issues.
WMB Comms Coordinator
Call Centre Radio Coordinator
Radio communication problems should be routed through to the PWCC (250-3871717), to the Regional Radio Supervisor / Radio Technician, or through to Radio
Operations in Victoria.
Requests for radio equipment or radio technician manpower should be made on the
FS-477 form. The WMB Comms Coordinator may put a radio technician on standby
in any Region if it is deemed necessary.
Fire radio communications equipment or manpower issues and problems need to

be passed on to the Wildfire Management Duty Officer and the Provincial Radio
Communications Officer (Provincial Radio Engineering Operations) as soon as they
occur.
The Provincial Radio Communications Officer is a Radio Technician or Radio
Supervisor/Manager and must be assigned at the time an Incident Fire occurs or
when a Type 1 team is deployed. This person is responsible for implementing and
coordinating radio communications for Incident Fires throughout the province, for the
coordination of radio communications between Regional and Zone Fire Centers and
ensures application of the Fire Commissioners Coordination and Control channel
and Command and Control repeater on interface and interagency fires.

International Distress Calling Answering Procedures should be followed
See Distress Calling / Answering Procedures in Appendix H.
Additional Wildfire Management Rules
Code 10-50 means that you are being dispatched to a potential accident
scene.
Assume aircraft may or may not be involved;
Assume that all persons involved are alive, injured and burned;
Code 10-45 may be transmitted to confirm a fatality.
In assessing the scene, always ensure the safety of yourself, crew and the
public.
Names of persons involved are not to be relayed over the radio system.
If dealing with an aircraft accident, do not refer to the air carrier name or the
aircraft registration over the radio system.
Do not use the term fatality or death in your communication.
With the exception of the two 10 codes noted above and the specified Do
Not statements, use plain language over the radio system to describe you
assessment of the situation and resource requirements.
Radio Sign Out Policy and Procedures

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The NR Sector tracks highly desirable assets such as handheld radios. To
ensure compliance personnel will have consigned to them their own handheld
radio asset which will be recorded in the Radio Management System.
You are responsible for your radio take care of it.
Seasonal staff or contractors requiring temporary use of a NR Sector handheld
radio will be consigned a radio upon completion of an FS-1255 (Radio Sign-out
form).
For Crew Workers, one person or crew leader may sign-out more than one radio,
however in doing so he or she becomes responsible for all assets consigned to
them.
All radios designated as Firestock (F3 and F3s radios) will be issued to personnel
using this form. In signing out a radio or group of radios an individual is now
responsible for the care and safe return of these units to the NR Sector.
Obtaining or Returning a Handheld Radio
Complete an FS-1255 Radio Sign-out Form. (Available at any Radio Shop)

The Logistics officer or Radio Technician will give you the top copy for your
records KEEP IT, you will need it when returning the radio.
You will be issued a radio when this is completed.
If you are a Crew Leader you have the choice of signing out all crew radios
or having the individuals sign them out on separate FS-1255 forms. If you
sign out 10 radios you are responsible for 10 radios.
When returning your radio(s), hand in the radio(s) and your copy of the FS1255 form.
Failure to return a radio to the NR Sector upon completion of temporary work

will make the consignee or the corresponding responsibility center liable for the
replacement cost of the radio unit.
Depending upon how the radio was lost or became non-functional, either the
consignee or the appropriate responsibility centre will be responsible for providing
funds to replace the radio unit.
If you break, lose, misplace or have a radio stolen you must:

You must fill out a Property Loss Form FIN-597.
You must give the form to the appropriate Regional Superintendent/
Manager responsible for Radio Operations.
Branch staff should give a copy to their Branch Manager and a copy to the
Manager of Radio Operations in Victoria.
Keep a copy.
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Fire Centre Contact Information
Location
Phone
Call Sign
PFCO
250-312-3000
N/A
Coastal
250-951-4222
VDI758 (Coastal Fire Centre)
Northwest
250-847-6600
VXC30 (Northwest Fire Centre)
Prince George
250-565-6124
XLT26 (Prince George Fire Centre)
Cariboo
250-989-2600
XMW333 (Cariboo Fire Centre)
Kamloops
250-554-5500
XMV583 (Kamloops Fire Centre)
Southeast
250-365-4040
VXE24 (Southeast Fire Centre)
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Wildfire Management Branch Radio Requisition Process
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Field Notes
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APPENDIX J - FIRE CENTRE MAP SUPPLEMENT
2012 Fire Centres Layout

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Cariboo
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Coastal
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Kamloops
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Northwest
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Prince George
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South East
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Field Notes
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POCKET STORAGE
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Radiocommunication Field Handbook

CONTACTS QUICK REFERENCE

Radio General Services

Superintendent, Northern Interior Region

Superintendent, Southern Interior Region

Superintendent, Coastal Region & Victoria

For Issue Escalation

Chief Information Officer, CSNR Information Management Branch

Radio services provided by CSNR Communication Services are available to all

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

NATURAL RESOURCE Sector RADIO SYSTEM

AUTHORIZATION - INDUSTRY CANADA

VHF HANDHELD AND MOBILE RADIOS

Tone of Voice, Voice Loudness and Articulation

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND REPORTING ACCIDENTS

NATURAL RESOURCE Sector RADIOS

Check To See If You Have A Letter Of Authority

Entering and Working In an Active Logging Area

Types and Models of Field Staff Radios

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

Ministry Use Policy

WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT BRANCH FIRE COMMUNICATIONS 28

APPENDIX A - Call Sign Assignments

APPENDIX B - Safety Requirements for Field Staff

APPENDIX C Natural Resource Sector Frequencies

Radio Sign out Policy and Procedures

Northern Interior Forest Region - Base Call Signs

WorkSafeBC (Formerly WCB) Requirements

APPENDIX D Standard Operating Procedures

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

APPENDIX E To Obtain Radio Services

APPENDIX F Knowing More About Your Radio

APPENDIX G Emergency Procedures

For Regional Radio Support

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

APPENDIX H - Forest Region Map Supplement

APPENDIX I Wildfire Management Branch Updates

Coast Forest Region Maps

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

APPENDIX J - Fire Centre Map Supplement

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

AUTHORIZATION - INDUSTRY CANADA

All NR Sector radios are licensed.

Licenses are held at Radio Operations in

You shall not deliberately cause harmful interference to another user.

VHF HANDHELD AND MOBILE RADIOS

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

Tone of Voice, Voice Loudness and Articulation

CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System)

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

Check To See If You Have A Letter Of Authority

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

Prior to switching channels

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

Resource Road Calling Procedures

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND REPORTING ACCIDENTS

Calling For Assistance

International Distress Calling / Answering Procedures

Refer to APPENDIX H for emergency procedures and making distress calls.

Wildfire Management Program

See APPENDIX J for Wildfire Management Branch Accident Response Rules.

Radiocommunication Field Handbook

MAYDAY, PAN-PAN and SECURITY calls