Introduction to Net Control Operations: Role and Responsibilities of Operators

Net Control Operations
10/10/2024
Net Control Operations
1
Outline
 
I.
Role of the Net Control Operator
II.
Incident Management System Structure
III.
Maintaining Accountability of Operators
IV.
Logs
V.
NCS Kit
VI.
The Shift Change
VII.
The Status Check
VIII.
Closing an Amateur Radio Net
IX.
Things You Need to Practice
X.
Other Forms
10/10/2024
Net Control Operations
2
Objectives
At  the end of this course you will be able to:
Describe the role of the Net Control Operator
List the elements of the Incident Management
System Structure
Demonstrate the ability to maintain accountability of
operators
List the steps for a shift change
Demonstrate ability to fill out logs and other forms
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Net Control Operations
3
Definitions
NCS – Net Control Station
The station performing net control
functions, e.g., K7YCA, W7YRC, etc.
NCO – Net Control Operator
Amateur operating net control station, e.g.,
WA6ZZJ, AB7NK, WB9VGJ, etc.
Often will be more than one NCO for any
given NCS operation
Sometimes NCO and NCS will be the same
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(NCO)
   Management
                                                                                 
Leadership
         Control
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
 
Management
Maintains an accurate log of traffic
Maintains a current roster of operators and
their assignments
Maintains a summary of key status points
to use in periodic briefings
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
 
Control
Establishes precedence of traffic
Enforces net procedures and discipline
Leadership
Sets example of proper radio procedure
Acts as a resource to other operators on
the net
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
NCO Assignment
When possible, 2 operators will be
assigned
NCO
Assistant NCO
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
NCO Assignment 
(cont.)
NCO
Primary communicator on tactical
frequency
Responsible for Event Log
Secondary responsibility for Message
Log
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
NCO Assignment 
(cont.)
Assistant NCO
Primary communicator on Command
Frequency
Primary responsibility for Message Log
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
Equipment Considerations
Antennas
Radios
Other considerations
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
Antennas
Types of antennas
Vehicle-mounted
Portable, e.g., J-pole
Temporary ground plane as high as
possible
Rubber ducks should be avoided
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
Radios
Types of radios
Portable base station
Mobile radio with power supply
HTs with power supply
HTs with high power battery and
backup pack
 (cont.)
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
Other Considerations
Separate radios are a MUST
Tactical frequencies
Repeater-based
HT which can reliably access the
repeater is usually adequate
External power source or extra
batteries are desirable
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
Other Considerations 
(cont.)
Simplex frequency
Best available antenna should be used
A mobile radio with a power supply or
portable base station is preferred
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
Other Considerations (cont.)
Command frequency
External antenna is desirable
High power HT is usually adequate
Power supply or extra batteries
desirable
Earphone or external speaker is very
beneficial
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I. Role of the Net Control Operator
(cont.)
Other Considerations 
(cont.)
Roles may be changed as needed during
the operation
Mutual agreement of operators
Notify Command Net for information
purposes
Short relief periods do not require
notification
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II. Overview of Incident Management
System Structure
 
One station runs operation -- Command
Net Net Control Station (NCS)
No more than five stations controlled by
one NCS at any level
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II. Overview of Incident Management
System Structure 
(cont.)
Activated in EOC
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II. Overview of Incident Management
System Structure 
(cont.)
Activated Outside EOC
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II. Overview of Incident Management
System Structure 
(cont.)
 
All traffic or requests will go through
NCS
Traffic will be passed through NCS for
other NCSs or other stations
NCO may permit stations in his/her net to
talk directly to another station in the net
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III. 
Logs
Three main logs will be used for
operations
Mobilization/Demobilization Log
Track location/status of operators
Event Log
Track events during incident/operation
Net Control Message Log
Log all messages on a net
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
 
The Mobilization/Demobilization Log
Will be used to keep track of the status
and location of all operators during an
event
Check-in
Availability
Assignment
Movement
Departure/Arrival
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Mobilization/Demobilization Log
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Mobilization/Demobilization 
(cont.)
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Mobilization/Demobilization 
(cont.)
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Mobilization/Demobilization 
(cont.)
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Mobilization/Demobilization 
(cont.)
Examples of the Mobilization/Demobilization Log
appear in the next section 
Maintaining
Accountability of Operators
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
The Event Log
Will be used to keep track of all current
events during an operation
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Event Log
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Event Log Example
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
The Net Control Message Log
Will be used to keep a record of all
messages
Number
To/From
Summary
Action Taken
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Net Control Message Log
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Net Control Message Log Example
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Net Control Message Log Example
(cont.)
Message #231455
From: Fire Center
To: County EOC
Summary: 2 areas being evacuated
Action Taken: To EOC IC
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Net Control Message Log Example
(cont.)
Message #231605
From: Shelter 1
To: County EOC
Summary: Need meals for 45 people
Action Taken: To EOC IC
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III. 
Logs 
(cont.)
Net Control Message Log Example
(cont.)
Message #231630
From: County EOC
To: Shelter 1
Summary: 45 meals ordered ETA 1800
Action Taken: To Shelter 1 operator
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IV. Maintaining Accountability of
Operators
A phone tree will normally be used to
activate a net.
Operators will then be assigned or
check into Resource Net
Availability and/or assignments of
operators will be logged on the
Mobilization/Demobilization Log
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IV. Maintaining Accountability of
Operators 
(cont.)
Mobilization/Demobilization Log Example
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IV. Maintaining Accountability of
Operators 
(cont.)
K7XXX
Checked in at 0930
Is available until 1400
Assigned to tactical call 
Shelter 1
Departed for shelter at 0950
Arrived at shelter at 1010
Left for home at 1300
Arrived home at 1330
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IV. Maintaining Accountability of
Operators 
(cont.)
N7XYZ
Checked in at 0935
Is available from 1300 – 1700
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IV. Maintaining Accountability of
Operators 
(cont.)
K7ZZZ
Checked in at 0940
Is available any time
Assigned to tactical call 
Fire Center
Departed for Fire Center at 1005
Arrived at Fire Center at 1030
(This operator is still active)
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V. NCS Kit
 
Suggested NCS Kit Items
 1 - Clipboard
 1 - Note pad 
 
 25 – Event Logs
 5 – Mobilization/Demobilization Logs
 5 – Net Control Message Logs
 3 – Pens
 3 – Pencils
 1 – Box paper clips
   
 1 - Set NCS job aids
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VI. The Shift Change
Responsibilities of Incoming NCO
Arrive 10 - 15 minutes prior to assigned shift
Review standard net procedures and job aids
Verify supplies you will need and make
arrangements for replenishment if necessary
Observe message handling procedures being used
and note any questions
Review all logs for an overview of current status
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VI. The Shift Change 
(cont.)
Responsibilities of Outgoing NCO
Show incoming NCO where key documents
are located
Mobilization/Demobilization Log
Event Log
Net Control Message Logs
Etc.
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VI. The Shift Change 
(cont.)
Responsibilities of Outgoing NCO 
(cont.)
Brief incoming NCO on the current
operation
Review nature of activity in field
Identify messages which are awaiting
action/reply
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VI. The Shift Change
 
(cont.)
Responsibilities of Outgoing NCO (cont.)
Verify incoming NCO understands the
message handling procedures in use
Advise incoming NCO of any problems or
unusual activity which has occurred on
your shift and how they were dealt with
Introduce incoming NCO to the local
manager, if one is present
10/10/2024
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VI. The Shift Change
 
(cont.)
Responsibilities of Incoming and
Outgoing NCOs
When both satisfied that they are ready to
change control
Contact Command Net and advise of call
sign of incoming NCO and status of
outgoing NCO
Outgoing NCO should contact Resource
Net to advise of status and destination
10/10/2024
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VII. The Status Check
 
What it means
Of 
utmost
 importance
All operators must be accounted for on a
regular basis, approximately every half
hour when possible
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VII. The Status Check
 
(cont.)
How to conduct a status check for your
net
Announce you will be performing a status
roll call
Perform the roll call and record status of
each operator
Contact Command Net with short status of
net and a report that all operators are
accounted for
10/10/2024
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VII. The Status Check
 
(cont.)
What to do if an operator fails to respond to
the status check
Repeat call one time
If no response, move on to other operators
and come back at end of roll call and make
two attempts to contact the operator
If no contact, immediately notify Command
Net and provide the call sign, current
assignment, and last know location (and
destination if mobile)
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VIII. Closing an Amateur Radio Net
Announce net will be closing
Contact operators with continuing assignments,
advise of new net frequency, check operators out
Advise remaining operators of procedures to be
used upon release
Conduct closing roll call
Announce net is closed
Contact Command Net
Return all net-related paperwork
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IX. Things You Need to Practice
Copying Call Signs
Ear-to-hand coordination difficult to master
Ask for slow pace and space between check-
ins
Listen how contesters/DXers handle pile-ups
Writing it Down
NCO is always writing something down
Practice taking notes listening to a net
Plan and train for worst case scenario
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IX. Things You Need to Practice
(cont.)
Practice Listening
Train your hearing to sort out the messages
from the noise
Try to make sense out of that “bad” signal
Listen to any conversation on HF during
distant weather disturbances
Practice Running Nets
Run local rag chew net, ARES/RACES net,
Skywarn net, club net, etc.
Tape record any net you run – you will be
your own worst critic
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IX. Things You Need to Practice
(cont.)
Practice Passing NTS Messages
NCO must be able to pass NTS format
messages!
The Radiogram form should be a “picture”
in your mind
Ability to take, pass and initiate NTS
messages should be as automatic and
natural as eating
10/10/2024
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X. Other Forms
 
Job Aids
Net Start Up
Status Checks
Shift Change
Net Closing
Things That You Need to Practice
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This content provides a comprehensive overview of the role of Net Control Operators in incident management systems, including maintaining accountability, log management, shift changes, and operational procedures. It covers key aspects such as NCS and NCO definitions, objectives of the course, and detailed guidelines for Net Control Operators. Emphasis is placed on leadership, control, and maintaining efficient communication protocols during radio operations.

  • Net Control Operations
  • Incident Management
  • Accountability
  • Radio Procedures
  • Communication

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  1. Net Control Operations

  2. Outline Role of the Net Control Operator Incident Management System Structure Maintaining Accountability of Operators Logs NCS Kit The Shift Change The Status Check Closing an Amateur Radio Net Things You Need to Practice Other Forms I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 1

  3. Objectives At the end of this course you will be able to: Describe the role of the Net Control Operator List the elements of the Incident Management System Structure Demonstrate the ability to maintain accountability of operators List the steps for a shift change Demonstrate ability to fill out logs and other forms 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 2

  4. Definitions NCS Net Control Station The station performing net control functions, e.g., K7YCA, W7YRC, etc. NCO Net Control Operator Amateur operating net control station, e.g., WA6ZZJ, AB7NK, WB9VGJ, etc. Often will be more than one NCO for any given NCS operation Sometimes NCO and NCS will be the same 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 3

  5. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (NCO) Management Leadership Control 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 4

  6. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) Management Maintains an accurate log of traffic Maintains a current roster of operators and their assignments Maintains a summary of key status points to use in periodic briefings 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 5

  7. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) Control Establishes precedence of traffic Enforces net procedures and discipline Leadership Sets example of proper radio procedure Acts as a resource to other operators on the net 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 6

  8. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) NCO Assignment When possible, 2 operators will be assigned NCO Assistant NCO 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 7

  9. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) NCO Assignment (cont.) NCO Primary communicator on tactical frequency Responsible for Event Log Secondary responsibility for Message Log 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 8

  10. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) NCO Assignment (cont.) Assistant NCO Primary communicator on Command Frequency Primary responsibility for Message Log 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 9

  11. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) Equipment Considerations Antennas Radios Other considerations 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 10

  12. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) Antennas Types of antennas Vehicle-mounted Portable, e.g., J-pole Temporary ground plane as high as possible Rubber ducks should be avoided 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 11

  13. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) Radios Types of radios Portable base station Mobile radio with power supply HTs with power supply HTs with high power battery and backup pack (cont.) 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 12

  14. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) Other Considerations Separate radios are a MUST Tactical frequencies Repeater-based HT which can reliably access the repeater is usually adequate External power source or extra batteries are desirable 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 13

  15. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) Other Considerations (cont.) Simplex frequency Best available antenna should be used A mobile radio with a power supply or portable base station is preferred 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 14

  16. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) Other Considerations (cont.) Command frequency External antenna is desirable High power HT is usually adequate Power supply or extra batteries desirable Earphone or external speaker is very beneficial 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 15

  17. I. Role of the Net Control Operator (cont.) Other Considerations (cont.) Roles may be changed as needed during the operation Mutual agreement of operators Notify Command Net for information purposes Short relief periods do not require notification 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 16

  18. II. Overview of Incident Management System Structure One station runs operation -- Command Net Net Control Station (NCS) No more than five stations controlled by one NCS at any level 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 17

  19. II. Overview of Incident Management System Structure (cont.) Activated in EOC 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 18

  20. II. Overview of Incident Management System Structure (cont.) Activated Outside EOC 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 19

  21. II. Overview of Incident Management System Structure (cont.) All traffic or requests will go through NCS Traffic will be passed through NCS for other NCSs or other stations NCO may permit stations in his/her net to talk directly to another station in the net 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 20

  22. III. Logs Three main logs will be used for operations Mobilization/Demobilization Log Track location/status of operators Event Log Track events during incident/operation Net Control Message Log Log all messages on a net 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 21

  23. III. Logs (cont.) The Mobilization/Demobilization Log Will be used to keep track of the status and location of all operators during an event Check-in Availability Assignment Movement Departure/Arrival 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 22

  24. III. Logs (cont.) Mobilization/Demobilization Log 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 23

  25. III. Logs (cont.) Mobilization/Demobilization (cont.) 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 24

  26. III. Logs (cont.) Mobilization/Demobilization (cont.) 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 25

  27. III. Logs (cont.) Mobilization/Demobilization (cont.) 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 26

  28. III. Logs (cont.) Mobilization/Demobilization (cont.) Examples of the Mobilization/Demobilization Log appear in the next section Maintaining Accountability of Operators 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 27

  29. III. Logs (cont.) The Event Log Will be used to keep track of all current events during an operation 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 28

  30. III. Logs (cont.) Event Log 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 29

  31. III. Logs (cont.) Event Log Example 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 30

  32. III. Logs (cont.) The Net Control Message Log Will be used to keep a record of all messages Number To/From Summary Action Taken 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 31

  33. III. Logs (cont.) Net Control Message Log 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 32

  34. III. Logs (cont.) Net Control Message Log Example 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 33

  35. III. Logs (cont.) Net Control Message Log Example (cont.) Message #231455 From: Fire Center To: County EOC Summary: 2 areas being evacuated Action Taken: To EOC IC 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 34

  36. III. Logs (cont.) Net Control Message Log Example (cont.) Message #231605 From: Shelter 1 To: County EOC Summary: Need meals for 45 people Action Taken: To EOC IC 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 35

  37. III. Logs (cont.) Net Control Message Log Example (cont.) Message #231630 From: County EOC To: Shelter 1 Summary: 45 meals ordered ETA 1800 Action Taken: To Shelter 1 operator 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 36

  38. IV. Maintaining Accountability of Operators A phone tree will normally be used to activate a net. Operators will then be assigned or check into Resource Net Availability and/or assignments of operators will be logged on the Mobilization/Demobilization Log 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 37

  39. IV. Maintaining Accountability of Operators (cont.) Mobilization/Demobilization Log Example 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 38

  40. IV. Maintaining Accountability of Operators (cont.) K7XXX Checked in at 0930 Is available until 1400 Assigned to tactical call Shelter 1 Departed for shelter at 0950 Arrived at shelter at 1010 Left for home at 1300 Arrived home at 1330 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 39

  41. IV. Maintaining Accountability of Operators (cont.) N7XYZ Checked in at 0935 Is available from 1300 1700 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 40

  42. IV. Maintaining Accountability of Operators (cont.) K7ZZZ Checked in at 0940 Is available any time Assigned to tactical call Fire Center Departed for Fire Center at 1005 Arrived at Fire Center at 1030 (This operator is still active) 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 41

  43. V. NCS Kit Suggested NCS Kit Items 1 - Clipboard 1 - Note pad 25 Event Logs 5 Mobilization/Demobilization Logs 5 Net Control Message Logs 3 Pens 3 Pencils 1 Box paper clips 1 - Set NCS job aids 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 42

  44. VI. The Shift Change Responsibilities of Incoming NCO Arrive 10 - 15 minutes prior to assigned shift Review standard net procedures and job aids Verify supplies you will need and make arrangements for replenishment if necessary Observe message handling procedures being used and note any questions Review all logs for an overview of current status 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 43

  45. VI. The Shift Change (cont.) Responsibilities of Outgoing NCO Show incoming NCO where key documents are located Mobilization/Demobilization Log Event Log Net Control Message Logs Etc. 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 44

  46. VI. The Shift Change (cont.) Responsibilities of Outgoing NCO (cont.) Brief incoming NCO on the current operation Review nature of activity in field Identify messages which are awaiting action/reply 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 45

  47. VI. The Shift Change(cont.) Responsibilities of Outgoing NCO (cont.) Verify incoming NCO understands the message handling procedures in use Advise incoming NCO of any problems or unusual activity which has occurred on your shift and how they were dealt with Introduce incoming NCO to the local manager, if one is present 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 46

  48. VI. The Shift Change(cont.) Responsibilities of Incoming and Outgoing NCOs When both satisfied that they are ready to change control Contact Command Net and advise of call sign of incoming NCO and status of outgoing NCO Outgoing NCO should contact Resource Net to advise of status and destination 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 47

  49. VII. The Status Check What it means Of utmost importance All operators must be accounted for on a regular basis, approximately every half hour when possible 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 48

  50. VII. The Status Check(cont.) How to conduct a status check for your net Announce you will be performing a status roll call Perform the roll call and record status of each operator Contact Command Net with short status of net and a report that all operators are accounted for 10/10/2024 Net Control Operations 49

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