[ARRL-OK] FCC Emergency Communications Declaration Policy Prefers VHF-UHF

[Mark D. Conklin N7XYO]

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/08/13/8/?nc=1

FCC Emergency Communications Declaration Policy Prefers VHF-UHF

NEWINGTON, CT, Aug 13, 2004--The FCC has formalized its policy for issuing
an emergency communications declaration (ECD) on Amateur Radio Service
frequencies. The policy, which became effective August 2, states that ECDs
will be issued for VHF or UHF repeaters--if the licensee consents--or on
simplex channels in the 60-meter band. The FCC will not entertain requests
to specifically sequester frequencies in other HF bands for emergency
traffic only. Past emergency communications declarations--typically issued
during weather-related emergencies--have put frequencies on 75 and 40 meters
off limits to general use in an affected region. The practice has drawn
complaints from members of the amateur community--especially from those well
outside the affected region--and from emergency nets, which still
experienced QRM.

"ECDs may only be issued after a disaster disrupts normal communication
systems in a geographic area subject to FCC regulation," the FCC said,
citing §97.401(b). Under its provisions, when a disaster disrupts normal
telecommunications systems in a given area, the FCC may declare a temporary
communication emergency that sets forth any special conditions and special
rules stations must observe while it's in effect. The policy clarifies that
the FCC has authority to issue ECDs only for communication emergencies and
not on the basis of anticipated emergencies.

The policy calls for VHF and UHF Amateur Service channels to receive
preference for ECDs. Requests may indicate a specific repeater system,
subject to permission from the repeater's licensee or trustee. On HF, the
FCC says, an ECD may authorize the use of one or two 60-meter channels,
which center on 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373 and 5405 kHz. "Use of these channels
is subject to the requirements of §97.303(s)," the FCC said. One potential
downside of the policy is the 50 W effective radiated power restriction on
that band (see ARRL's Frequently Asked Questions regarding operation on 60
meters) http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/faq-60.html

The FCC said frequencies in other Amateur Service bands--where emergency
nets already have been established--may be used during emergencies under the
provisions of §97.101(c). That rule section stipulates that Amateur Service
control operators give priority to stations providing emergency
communications "at all times and on all frequencies."

In announcing its policy, the FCC noted that amateurs have occasionally
requested an ECD before an event, such as a hurricane or tropical storm, has
occurred. "However," the Commission's policy points out, "transmissions
prior to a disaster are already authorized by §97.401(a) and not subject to
an ECD." Under §97.401(a), amateur stations may make transmissions
"necessary to meet essential communication needs and facilitate relief
actions" when normal telecommunication systems are overloaded, damaged or
disrupted because a disaster has occurred or is likely to occur in an area
where the Amateur Service is regulated by the FCC.

The FCC also has tightened up the requirements to request an ECD. Requests
may come from an emergency management official responsible for emergency
operations in the affected area and acting in an official capacity or from
an Amateur Radio operator at the request of an emergency management official
responsible for emergency operations in the affected area and acting an
official capacity. Among other information, requests must include the nature
of the disaster, a description of the compromised telecommunication systems,
the geographic area affected and the estimated length of time that normal
telecommunication systems will remain out of service.

The FCC policy, Emergency Communications Declarations in the Amateur Radio
Service,   http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/emcom-declarations.html  is
available on the ARRL Web site.