CHAPTER 2

VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

Upon completing this chapter you should be able to do the following:

Identify circuit procedures, discipline, and techniques in voice communications.

Describe radiotelephone (R/T) security elements, voice procedures, and basic message formats.

Explain the use of R/T call signs, circuits, and nets.

Explain the use of R/T executive methods.

Identify the use and format for R/T circuit logs.

Whether you are ashore or at sea, your professional duties as a Radioman will include radiotelephone (R/T) communications. You should understand that uncovered (nonsecure) radio transmissions are the least secure means of communications, and that R/T voice communications are the least secure of all radio communications. Despite these drawbacks, R/T communications play an important part in our day-to-day fleet operations and in the control of coastal and harbor shipping.

CIRCUIT PROCEDURES

R/T is the easiest, most convenient method of relaying real-world situation traffic from ship to ship, ship to shore, or shore to ship. All that is necessary is that you pick up a transmitter handset and speak into it.

A radiotelephone circuit would quickly become unusable if everyone on the circuit failed to follow the same rules and procedures. Much of what is accomplished over an R/T circuit involves proper techniques and training, coupled with common sense and experience. It is impossible to cover every conceivable situation that may arise when using voice communications. There are many simple R/T procedures that apply to these circuits.

CIRCUIT DISCIPLINE

Unless using secure voice communications equipment, you must assume that everything you say when using R/T is being intercepted. The inherent dangers of interception can be significantly reduced by adhering to the principles of strict circuit discipline.

R/T transmissions should be as short and concise as possible without sacrificing clarity. It is important that all personnel using voice communications be instructed in the proper use of the handset and R/T equipment. They must also be cautioned on the likelihood of transmission intercept.

Adherence to prescribed operating procedures is mandatory! Deviations from these procedures create confusion, reduce reliability and speed, and tend to nullify security precautions. Once you know the proper operating procedures, you can use your initiative and common sense to satisfy specific operating requirements.

Although circuit discipline is discussed here with respect to its connection with R/T procedures, you must understand that the requirement for circuit discipline applies to all communications circuits-not just R/T circuits. Every operator must recognize and avoid the following malpractice, which could endanger communications security:

Linkage or compromise of classified call signs and address groups by plain language or association with unclassified call signs;

Linkage or compromise of encrypted call signs and address groups by association with other call signs, address groups, or plain language (for example, use of encrypted call signs in the call and unencrypted call signs in the message address);

Misuse and confusion of call signs, routing indicators, address groups, and address indicating groups (AIGs) (which could result in the nondelivery of an important message, a compromise, or the linking of classified and unclassified call signs and address groups);

Violation of emission control (EMCON) conditions;

Unofficial conversation between operators;

Transmitting on a directed net without permission;

Transmitting the operator's personal sign;

Excessive repetition of prowords;

Use of plain language in place of applicable prowords;

Unnecessary transmissions;

Incorrect and unauthorized procedures;

Identification of unit locations;

Excessively long calls (when a station is called and does not answer within a reasonable time, presumably because a condition of radio silence prevails, the message may be transmitted in the blind or by some other method);

Use of profane, indecent, or obscene language; and

Failure to maintain radio watches on designated frequencies and at prescribed times.

CIRCUIT TECHNIQUES

You should use the following guide in developing good voice circuit techniques. To enhance your proficiency, you should practice the techniques on a training net. Remember, though, that nothing can take the place of good common sense.

DO:

Listen before transmitting. Unauthorized break-in causes confusion and often blocks a transmission in progress to the extent that neither transmission gets through.

Speak clearly and distinctly. Both slurred syllables and clipped speech are hard to understand. A widespread error among untrained operators is failure to emphasize vowels sufficiently.

Speak slowly. Give the receiving operator a chance to get your message down. This can save time and repetitions.

Avoid extremes of pitch. A high-pitched voice cuts through interference best, but is shrill and unpleasant if too high. A lower pitch is easier on the ear, but is difficult to understand through background noises if too low.

Be natural. Maintain a normal speaking rhythm. Group words in a natural manner. Send your message phrase for phrase instead of word for word.

Use standard pronunciation. Talkers who use the almost standard pronunciation of a broadcast network announcer are easiest to understand.

Speak in a moderately strong voice in order to override unavoidable background noises and to prevent dropouts.

Keep correct distance between lips and handset. A distance of about 2 inches is correct for most handsets. If the distance is too great, speech becomes inaudible and background noises interfere. If the distance is too small, blaring and blasting result.

Give an accurate evaluation in response to a request for a radio check. A transmission with feedback or a high level of background noise is not "loud and clear," even though the message can be understood.

Pause momentarily after each normal phrase, and interrupt your carrier. This allows any other station with higher precedence traffic to break in.

Adhere strictly to prescribed procedures. Up-to-date R/T procedures are found in Radiotelephone Procedure, ACP 125.

Transact your business and get off the air. Excessive preliminary calls waste time.

DO NOT:

Transmit while surrounded by others loudly discussing the next maneuver or event. It confuses the receiving stations and could be a serious security violation.

Hold the handset button in the push-to-talk position until absolutely ready to transmit. Your carrier will block other communications on the net.

Hold a handset in such a position that there is a possibility of having feedback from the earphone added to other background noises.

Hold a handset loosely. A firm pressure on the push-to-talk button prevents unintentional release and consequent signal dropout.

Tie up a circuit with test signals. Usually, 10 seconds is sufficient for testing.