PACIFIC MARITIME MOBILE
SERVICE NET
22 August 2018
NET PROTOCOL
NET DEFINED
This is a net of
volunteer amateur radio operators dedicated to the preservation of life and
property at sea.
MISSION STATEMENT
The primary mission is
to serve the needs of the maritime community, in but not limited to, the
Pacific Ocean. The secondary mission is
to serve missionaries, deployed military and deployed civil servants
This is not to the
exclusion of anyone in need within the mandate of FCC regulations covering
third party, emergency or medical traffic
OPERATION SCHEDULE
This net meets daily
from 21ØØz to 24ØØz on a frequency of 21.412 MHz USB 365 days a year. It has
been doing so since November 4, 1979. It begins with the Early Bird session
followed by the 22ØØz and 23ØØz sessions.
Each session is
controlled by a volunteer NET CONTROL operator who is in complete control of
the net during his session.
NET CONTROLS
RESPONSIBILITY
It is the
responsibility of NET CONTROL to maintain control of the net and that the flow
of the net operates at a normal pace. NET CONTROL when calling QRZ should allow
several seconds time for all stations wishing to check in to do so.
NET CONTROL IS IN
CONTROL
When the EB/NET is in
session the NET CONTROL station has complete control. This a directed net.
Direct all calls to net control. If you do not hear NET CONTROL, do not put out
calls or QRZ on your own. Be a listener for in time you will be asked put out
calls. Should NET CONTROL encounter a
situation where he is only able to hear a limited number or no stations at all.
He may elect to pass NET CONTROL to another NET CONTROL who he feels may have
better control of the net. However, and despite conditions, if the flow of the
net is progressing well he may elect to retain control. Yet he must be aware of
his options as we know 21.412 can change in an instant. If NET CONTROL does not hear another station
he may call another NET CONTROL on the phone to seek relief.
NET SPLIT
There are times when the net is split and there is an east coast net and
a west coast net. In such a situation both nets will operate independent of one
another. If there is no NET CONTROL the relays present will appoint one. The NET CONTROL from both nets will submit a
report of their sessions activity to the net secretary as if it were a normal
net.
ABSENCE OF NET CONTOL
There are times when there is no NET CONTROL available. If so and there
are relays on frequency, one of the relays will assume control of that session.
At the end of the session the relay assuming control should send a report of
the sessions activity to the net secretary.
NET FLOW
NET CONTROL must be allowed to maintain the flow of the net. There are
times when there is an extended period when net control is left out of the
loop. This happens when a designated relay has logged several stations and put
them to work. This is normal to this net, but where possible kept to a minimum.
REGULAR RELAYS
Regular relays are members of the net who continue to check in over time.
The responsibility of regular relays is to check in with NET CONTROL then
listen. If a relay hears a station that NET CONTROL dose not, alert NET CONTROL
using the appropriate net terminology.
DESIGNATED RELAYS
Designated relays are members of the net who NET CONTOL has asked to put
out calls. At that time the designate relay becomes temporary NET CONTROL. The
designated relay logs all stations checking in and reports same to NET CONTROL.
If there is a long list of relays that have already checked in, as soon as the
designated relay has logged all the new check ins will return control to NET
CONTROL. If there only a few stations already logged in the designated relay
may ask the new check ins to make calls. This is a judgement call. After all
are made the designated relay will return control back to NET CONTROl.
STRANGERS
Strangers are stations who are checking into the net for the first time.
NET OPERATION
NET OPENING PROTOCOL
Call for emergency or medical traffic
Opening statement
Call for emergency or medical traffic
Call for priority traffic
Call for maritime mobiles only
Call for missionaries, deployed military and deployed civil servants
Call for regular relays
Call for general check ins
OPENING STATEMENT
QRZ QRZ QRZ For the Pacific Maritime Mobile Service Net
QRZ QRZ QRZ For the Pacific Maritime Mobile Service Net
QRZ QRZ QRZ For the Pacific Maritime Mobile Service Net
This is (call sign) (located in) my name is (-----) NET CONTROL for
todays (-----) session of the Pacific Maritime Mobile Service Net. This net
meets daily from 22ØØz till 24ØØz on a frequency of 21.412 mhz. the early bird
session begins at 21ØØz.
This is a directed net. Please direct all calls to NET CONTROL or NET
CONTROL’S designated relay you hear the very best.
This net is a service to the maritime community in, but not limited to,
the Pacific Ocean. In addition, we also provide a service to missionaries,
deployed military and deployed civil servants This not to the exclusion of any
one in need within the mandate of FCC regulations covering third party,
emergency or medical traffic.
NET CONTROL RELIEF
From time to time you will not be available for your session. At these times
you should contact another NET CONTROL(S) in your session zone to act as NET
CONTROL for you. Also, you may contact the net manager or net secretary.
NET CONTROL’S CALL FOR CHECK INS
CHECK IN PROCEEDURES
Check in only when NET CONTROL or NET CONTROLS designated relay calls for
check ins. If you do not hear NET CONTROL, wait for a designated relay to call
for check ins. Do not interrupt the normal flow of the net.
If you hear no one you may ID every 5 minutes until you contact a station
that has a path with NET CONTROL. Then remain silent until asked to make calls.
Do not call for check ins unless NET CONTROL or a designated relay
request that you do so. Your job is to listen and only make calls when asked to
so.
By following NET PROTOCOL, the net will run more efficiently and avoid
net interference.
MARITME NET TERMINOLOGY
Below is the standard
protocol terminology used by most maritime mobile nets
BREAK: PRIORITY TAFFIC
BREAK BREAK: EMERGENCY
OR MEDICAL TRAFFIC
RELAY: WHEN A STATION
HEARS A STATION THAT NET CONTROL DOES NOT
RECHECK: WHEN A STATION
HAS LEFT THE NET AND RETURNED
CONTACT: WHEN A STATION
HEARS ANOTHER STATION HE WISHES TO CONTACT AND MOVE OFF FREQUENCY
QSX: I WILL BE
MONITORING THIS FREQUENCY
QRZ: I AM CALLING
NET ORDER OF PRESIDENCE
EMERGENCY OR MEDICAL TRAFFIC
PRIORITY TRAFFIC
VESSELS
MISIONARIES, DEPLOYED
MILITARY AND DEPLOYED CIVIL SERVANTS
NET CHECK INS
EMERGENCY PROTOCOL
WHAT TO DO IN AN
EMERGENCY
THE FIRST IS TO STAY
CALM
CALL: BREAK BREAK! THE NET WILL BECOME SILENT AND LISTEN
FOR THE MOMENT YOU ARE
IN CONTROL
Then determine who is
calling and the nature of the emergency and what the calling station is asking
for.
Then get the name of
the vessel, number of people on board, the GPS, COURSE and SPEED.
If the calling station
is weak or difficult to copy, QUICKY determine who on the net with experience
has the best path and can take control.
Keep in mind there are
stations that have been with the net for a long time and have the experience to
handle any situation that might arise.
Now all of the above
should only take a couple of minutes.
TIME IS NOT ON YOUR
SIDE.
Then it is time to call
the APPROPRIATE AGENCY who you feel will need to take the appropriate action.
In most cases this agency will be the US Coast
Guard.
THE NATIONAL COMMAND CENTER
1 - 800 - 323 -7233
Once you have made
contact: give them your call sign and let them know that you are on the PACIFIC
MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NET on 21.412 mhz. Then give them the nature of the
emergency, the vessel’s name and call sign, number of people on board and the
GPS DATA, COURSE and SPEED. Of course, answer any questions they may have.
REMEMBER SPEAK SLOWLY,
CLEARLY AND STAY CALM!
Once the Appropriate
AGENCY is on frequency they assume complete control. We as the Pacific Maritime
Mobile Service Net will monitor and be there if needed. We also keep the
frequency clear.
Until the APPROPRIATE
AGENCY is on frequency maintain contact.
In as much as the net
covers such a vast area it is almost impossible to define or list APPROPRIATE
AGENCIES. Therefore, it is the
individual situation that dictates a course of action.
PRORITY TRAFFIC
PRIORITY TRAFFIC is
defined by this net as traffic from other nets or from regular relays that is
important to the operation of the net and not of an emergency or medical nature.
MISSIONARIES AND DEPLOYED
MILITARY AND CIVIL SERVANTS
IN THE PAST THOSE IN
THIS CATEGORY WERE LOOKING FOR A PHONE PATCH, BUT WITH THE CELL PHONE IT HAS
BECOME ALMOST A THING OF THE PAST.
OPERATIONAL PROTOCOL
PERSONAL CONTACTS
If you and another
station wish to have a conversation (QSO or rag chew), please QSY to another
frequency. Please do not disrupt the net flow. WE MAY MISS CALLS FROM THOSE WE
SERVE!
CW AND OTHER MODES
Members of this net
will use whatever mode available to them to accomplish our mission. There are
many who are cw proficient. Until you are do not put out calls on cw unless you
are ready to copy. If you do put out calls on cw, only use slow speed. The vessel
operator(s) may not be able to copy that well.
PHONE PATCH
From time to time a VESSEL may ask
for a phone patch. There are only a few on the net with phone patch
capabilities. If you are one and if you have wide area phone service within the
continental limits of the states you can call directly with no charge. However,
if you do not then you must go thru an operator as a collect call.
NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
On rare occasions you may be ask to
send formal written traffic. You may do so via an NTS net in your area. There
are a number of local NTS nets around the country, regional NETS net and the
transcontinental net.
If you are asked to do so you will
need to put your traffic in the appropriate form, you can find instructions on
the arrl web site under NTS. You will also find a copy of the radiogram on the
arrl web site.
NET INTERFERENCE
Over the years we have had
individuals try and disrupt the net to get attention. It has been the PROTOCOL
of this net to ignore such disruptions. We do not acknowledge their presence.
The most common interference is from
relays making calls when not asked to do so. On 21.412 you never know where
your signal goes or who you might be interfering with. It is better not to call
until you are asked to do so. Then you and you alone are in the driver’s seat!
TUNER UPERS
We also hear stations tuning up.
These stations are new to the net and do not know that tuning up on 21.412
interferes with the activity flow of the net. All of our regular relays know
that tune up should take place off frequency.
NET CONTROL REPORTS
Each NET CONTROL will submit a report
to the net secretary all activity on his session. Keep the report simple. Use
any font you wish. However, use font size no smaller than 14 bold.
EAMPLE:
W1VDE
KA1SC
W4FDD
KGØSY
JE1LET
KB6EGA
KB1TUR
KB9EYN
WAØNNB
If you wish to
elaborate, keep that portion of the report separate from the main report.
MARITIME MOBILES
THIS IS THE PRIMARY
MISSION OF PACIFIC MARITIME MOBILE SEVERVICE NET
VESSELS DEFINED
There are two distinct type of marine mobiles
that this net deals with. The first and most common is the casual boater who is
no further out than visual contact with shore and those on rivers and lakes.
These are no less important. However, these are not the vessels our founders
intended to serve. It was the intent of
our founders to serve those vessels traversing the vast Pacific. In doing so we
must be ready to serve their needs no matter the nature.
VESSEL CONTACT NATURE
Over the years we have
been asked to assist in emergency situations, make phone patches, call loved
ones to let them know all is well, to allow us to track them or just have
someone to talk to that they can depend in time of need. This is what we do and,
in the past, we have done it well.
VESSEL DATA
In order to complete our
mission, we are mandated by the sheer nature of what we do to collect data on
these off-shore vessels. Therefore, we have established two forms. The first is
the VESSEL DATA FORM. It is used when any and all vessels make their first
contact with the net. The relay making the contact will fill out the VESSEL
DATA FORM. This form lists the name of the vessel, a description of the vessel,
destination etc. see VESSEL DATA FORM located in the appendix.
Send this form
(information on this form) to the VESSEL TRACKER for his files.
VESSEL TRACKING DATA
The second form is the
VESSEL TRACKING FORM. This form is used by the relay in contact with the
vessel, it is used to collect the necessary tracking and weather data from the
vessel. In turn the relay will send the tracking data to our VESSEL TRACKER.
The VESSEL TRACKER will then post the data on the appropriate web site. The data is then
transferred, if needed, to the appropriate form maintained by the VESSEL
TRACKER. It is then filed to be used in case of an emergency. In an emergency,
we will be able to relay to the APPROPRIATE AGENCY all data from the forms.
This will give them all the data necessary to locate the vessel or at least
give them a start.
The VESSEL TRACKING
FORM will contain all the data necessary to locate the VESSEL and note weather
and sea conditions at last contact. If you or another relay contacts one of
these VESSELS at sea it is your responsibility to see that all the necessary
data listed on the VESSEL TRACKING FORM is recorded. When you do this gives the
captain peace of mind that you have his best interest and safety a concern This
is what we are and this is what we do.
THE MINIMUM DATA
REQUIRED IS
GPS, COURSE AND SPEED
USE ONLY CORRECT GPS
FORMAT
LATITUDE XX-XX.XN LONGITUDE XXX- XX.XE
LATITUDE XX-XX.XS LONGITUDE XXX-XX.XW
MARINE WEATHER REPORTS
Many maritime nets give
a general weather report for the east coast, gulf coast and west coast. Because
we serve VESSELS around the world it is almost impossible to do so in the time
allotted. KA5PNX has come with a solution. He gives the individual boat a
weather report for the next 12 to 24 hours. Now that is what I call good customer
service,
REMEMBER
ASK IS THERE ANYTHING
ELSE WE CAN DO FOR YOU!!!
CAUTION
THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL
OUT THERE THAT TRY TO FEED THIS NET MISINFORMATION. CASE IN POINT: A VESSEL
CHECKED IN AND SAID HE WAS IN THE MID PACIFIC. HE GAVE HIS GPS, BUT WHEN IT WAS
CHECKED THE GPS WAS FOR THE MID AMAZON JUNGLE. BE CAUTIOUS WHEN TAKING DATA.
MOST ARE TRUE, BUT NOW AND THEN WE ARE GIVEN THE WRONG CALL SIGN OR THE WRONG
DATA BY INTENT.
WE DO NOT TREAT ANY
VESSEL AS JUST ANOTHER
CHECK IN. IN DOING SO
WE ARE REMISS IN OUR
RESPONSIBILITY TO THE
MISSION
APENDIX
PACIFIC MARITIME MOBILE
SERVICE NET VESSEL FORMS
VESSEL DATA
VESSEL NAME:
SKIPPER:
CALL SIGN:
FIRST CONTACT RELAY:
DATE AND TIME OF FIRST
CONTACT:
VESSEL DESCRIPTION:
REGISTRY:
NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON
BOARD:
PORT OF ORIGIN:
DESTINATION:
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
CONTACT:
COMMENTS:
TRACKING DATA
VESSEL NAME:
CALL SIGN:
DATE: TIME:
RELAY:
LATITUDE:
LONGITUDE:
DIRECTION T:
SPEED KNOTS:
WIND DIRECTION:
WIND SPEED:
SEA SWELLS IN METERS:
SEA SWELLS DIRECTION:
BAROMETRIC IN mb:
AIR TEMP: SEA TEMP:
COMMENTS:
PACIFIC MARITIME MOBILE
SERVICE NET
RADIOGRAM
NUMBER |
PRESEDENCE |
HX |
STATION OF ORIGIN |
CHECK |
PLACE OF ORIGIN |
TIME FILED |
DATE |
TO:
THIS MESSAGE RECEIVED AT
STATION PHONE NAME
E-MAIL STREET CITY,
STATE, ZIP |
PHONE NUMBER
E-MAIL
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
REC’D FROM: DATE: TIME: SENT TO: DATE: TIME: