PACIFIC MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NET

NET PROTOCOL (19 APRIL 2019)

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.

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 to 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 RELAY

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.

Call for regular relays

Call for general check ins

OPENING STATEMENT

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 21ØØz 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. This not to the exclusion of any one in need within the mandate of FCC regulations covering third party, emergency or medical traffic.

GENERL CALL FORMAT

Sstations on frequency may be asked to put a QRZ call. If so, you are free to use your own style. However it should include the following in priority: maritime mobiles, missionaries, regular relays and general check ins.

Using the format used by the military and arrl the format would be as flows:

SSB:

QRZ QRZ QRZ FOR THE PACIFIC MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NET

THIS IS ( YOUR CALL ) ( YOUR CALL ) ( YOUR CALL ) LOCATED IN ( YOUR LOCATION ) LOOKING FOR MARITIME MOBILES, MISSIONARIES, REGULAR RELAYS AND GENERAL CHECK INS WITH OR WITHOUT TRAFIC COME NOW.

QRZ QRZ QRZ PMMSN PMMSN PMMSM (YOUR CALL ) (YOUR CALL ) (YOUR CALL) QSX K.

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 OR WHO IS CALLING.

NET ORDER OF PRESIDENCE

EMERGENCY OR MEDICAL TRAFFIC

PRIORITY TRAFFIC

VESSELS

MISIONARIES

REGULAR RELAYS

GENERAL 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 it will be the U.S. 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 AGENCY. Therefore, it is the individual situation that dictates a course of action.

PRIORITY 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

IN THE PAST MISSIONARIES 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 fined need 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 and in the appendix of this document.

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 in an instant 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 to the VESSEL TRACKER for his file.

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. At these times 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.

MINIMUM DATA REQUIRED

GPS, COURSE AND SPEED

USE ONLY THE CORRECT GPS FORMAT

LATITUDE XX-XX.XN LONGITUDE XXX-XX.XE

LATITUDE XX-XX.XS LONGITUDE XXX-XX.XW

There are times when net control logs a vessel. It is imperative that he maintains control of the net. Therefore, he has two options. The first is that he appoints a relay to take the vessel off frequency and take the necessary data and send it to the VESSEL TRACKER. The second option is to turn the net over to another relay, then take the vessel off frequency and take the necessary data and send it to the VESSEL TRACKER. If there are no other relays on frequency, then net control will take the necessary data on frequency. The net, where possible, must always be kept open to allow other vessels to check in.

MARINE WEATHER REPORTS

Many maritime nets give a general weather report for the east coast, gulf coast or west coast. Because we serve VESSELS around the world it is almost impossible to do so in the time allotted. KA5PNX has come up 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

BAND CONDITIONS

When band conditions do not allow for normal operation of the net, NET CONTROL is still in control. However, regular relays may id every two minutes or so until they have path with a station that does have a path with net control. Then remain silent until asked to put out calls.

If the station that has a path with net control signal is lost or reports going QRT the regular relay may resume ids.

If the station that has a path with NET CONTROL has to leave the net, he should advise the relays under his control the he is going QRT this will allow them to resume ids. THIS IS ONLY COMMON COURTESY!

APENDIX

PACIFIC MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NET

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:

PACIFIC MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NET

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: AIR TEMP:

COMMENTS: