WICEN (Vic) call for operators

February 25, 2009 by Arvadmin

In order to meet the ongoing and increasing requests being received for communications support, WICEN is looking for more volunteers from the general amateur radio community.

WICEN now has expanded its support for the bushfire response with operator in Incident Control Centres (ICC) at Kangaroo Ground, Woori Yallock and Belgrave - as well as the Alexandra ICC and Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre.

In making the call for more operators, WICEN Secretary Mark Dods VK3XMU explained some of the requirements and that deployment in the field is not the type suited for everyone.

Postings to Incident Control Centres expose operators to extremely noisy, busy environments where multiple radios are going simultaneously.

Headphones are not an option as the DSE/CFA controllers want to be able to listen in if they feel the need.

Also accurate message handling and concise voice procedure are absolutely required. Shifts are 12 hours long with change-over at 7am and 7pm.

Some WICEN members have made themselves unavailable for ICC deployment because they feel they cannot operate in that environment effectively. It is not for everyone.

All meals costs and accommodation are paid by the authorities. Some fuel rebate from the border to the site may be available and WICEN is currently in negotiations about it.

If you feel you can be an effective operator in an ICC environment (described above) then WICEN has need of you.

Offers of help from interstate have been greatly appreciated, however WICEN does not at present have authorisation to fund interstate travel.

Travelling to Melbourne at your own expense is an option. But please talk with WICEN before doing so.

Offers to assist should be made to Mark Dods VK3XMU secretary@vic.wicen.org.au or 0409 214 834.