Standard Operating Procedure (SOP):
Amateur Radio Disaster Management
- Document Reference: SOP-DR-01
- Target Audience: Licensed Radio Amateurs / Hub Members
- Purpose: Emergency Communication Coordination in India
1. Purpose & Authority
This SOP defines the activation, operation, and communication protocols for amateur radio operators during natural disasters or communication infrastructure failures in India.
- Legal Authority: Operations must comply with the Telecommunications (Amateur Services) Rules managed by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing, Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- Third-Party Traffic: Hams are legally permitted to handle emergency messages originating from or addressed to civil authorities (e.g., District Magistrates, Disaster Management Authorities) during emergencies.
2. Activation Phases
Phase I: Alert & Monitoring
- Trigger: Meteorological warnings (cyclone, heavy rainfall) or sudden events (earthquake).
- Action: Monitor designated local VHF/UHF repeaters and National HF emergency frequencies.
- Check: Verify backup power sources (batteries, solar panels, generators) and antenna integrity.
Phase II: Mobilisation & Deployment
- Trigger: Collapse of commercial telecom networks or direct request from local administration.
- Action: Establish contact with the nearest District Magistrate (DM) office or State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
- Deployment: If requested, deploy a portable station (Go-Kit) to control rooms, transit camps, or hospitals.
Phase III: Deactivation
- Trigger: Restoration of public communication networks and formal stand-down order from civil authorities.
- Action: Log final transmissions, pack equipment, and submit an activation report to the hub/WPC.
3. Communication Protocols
Frequency Plan
- Local Coordination: 144–146 MHz (2-Meter VHF Band) via local repeaters or simplex.
- Regional/National Link: Designated HF bands (typically 40m/7 Mhz or 20m/14 MHz) for long-distance relays.
Operating Rules
- Keep it Brief: Limit transmissions to essential emergency data only.
- Priority Rules: Give immediate right-of-way to life-safety traffic (SOS/Mayday).
- Phonetics: Use the International Phonetic Alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie) to minimize errors.
- Logging: Record time (IST), call signs, and text of all critical messages in a physical logbook.
4. Institutional Alignment & Training
- RACES Integration: Align local hub operations with the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) managed by the National Institute of Amateur Radio (NIAR).
- Drills: Participate in periodic mock drills conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state authorities.
- Licensing: Ensure all active operators hold a valid Amateur Station Operator Certificate (ASOC) from the DoT.