LS10.6 DISTRESS COMMUNICATIONS

Section: LS10 SAR Operations

Date: 20th September 2016

Page: 1 of 1

To provide guidelines regarding emergency signalling devices.

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) provides the following guidelines regarding distress communications.

Distress traffic includes all messages relating to immediate assistance required by persons, aircraft, or marine craft in distress, including medical assistance. Distress traffic may also include SAR communications and on-scene communications. Distress calls take absolute priority over all other transmissions; anyone receiving a distress call must immediately cease any transmissions that may interfere with the call and listen on the frequency used for the call.

Distress and safety communications require the highest possible integrity and protection from harmful interference. Any interference that puts at risk the operation of safety services degrades obstructs or interrupts any radio communications, is harmful. Some frequencies are protected, in that they have no authorised uses other than for distress and safety.

Lifesaving services personnel should be particularly careful not to cause harmful interference, and should co-operate with authorities to report and stop incidents of interference.

The object of lifesaving communications is to make possible the conduct of lifesaving operations. Communications must allow for:

1. Rapid transmission of distress messages from aircraft, ships and small craft, including for medical assistance;

2. Rapid communication of distress information to the authorities responsible for organising and effecting rescue;

3. Co-ordination of the operation of various SAR units; and

4. Liaison between controlling/coordinating authorities and response resources.