7.1 Radio Communications

Printed Generated at time of printing

Destroy after 12 months from print date

SLSSA Standard Operating Procedures are controlled documents. Printed copies may become out of date and should not be relied on as the current version of the procedure.

To display this SOP in a patrol room, operations area, training environment, or similar location, use the QR code below so personnel can access the current online version.

Scan to view the current SOP

This QR code links to the current online version at sops.surflifesavingsa.com.au.

7.1 Radio Communications

Purpose

To outline SLSC/service radio communications requirements for all lifesaving, training and sport operations.

Overview

All SLS services must meet the SLSSA radio/communication requirements when undertaking lifesaving, training or sport operations, including:

SLSSA approved radio equipment (types/models),
SLSSA approved radio frequencies (channels), and
Coordinating through the State Operations Centre (SOC) (for lifesaving operations).

SLSSA Coastal Radio Network

SLS services must utilise and operate within the SLSSA Coastal Radio Network. SLS services must not undertake operations on alternative networks or establish their own alternative radio communications networks unless authorised by the Manager, State Operations Centre.

Only SLSSA approved radio frequencies and channel allocations will be programmed into SLS radios. No unapproved frequencies or frequency changes are permitted without the approval of SLSSA. Programming of SLSC and service radios must only be undertaken by SLSSA.

SLS radio frequencies are licensed to and managed by SLSSA. No SLS service will apply for, or implement, frequencies through the ACMA for operations outside of the SLSSA frequency plan.

Only authorised SLS personnel may utilise and operate lifesaving radio equipment and monitor radio frequencies. External partner agencies or stakeholders must have written permission to hold, use, or monitor SLSSA radio frequencies.

Equipment

All SLS radios must be listed in the SLSSA Coastal Radio Network Approved Equipment List and meet the requirements outlined in SOP 7.2 – Radio Equipment Specifications.

All SLS radios must be serviced regularly by a licensed and SLSSA endorsed technician/service agent. Only SLSSA approved, licensed agents/service technicians may service or program SLS radios.

State Operations Centre (SOC) / SurfCom

SLS services must utilise the State Operations Centre (SOC) (call sign SurfCom) for all operational coordination and incident management. This directive ensures a unified and efficient approach to managing beach safety and lifesaving operations.

SLS services must coordinate operational activities through the State Operations Centre (SOC) where required to ensure that all lifesaving operations are conducted in a manner that adheres to the highest standards of safety, coordination, and compliance.

No SLS service will implement their own SOC/SurfCom type entity, or similar, without the authorisation of the Manager, State Operations Centre, except for training as outlined in SOP 7.9 – Radio Training.

Patrol Captain Radio

Each Patrol Captain must utilise the designated Patrol Captain radio for operational communications for the duration of the patrol to ensure the SOC can contact the Patrol Captain directly, including by message, when required.

If the designated Patrol Captain radio is unavailable or unserviceable, the State Operations Centre (SOC) must be advised as soon as practicable.

Availability

SLS services conducting lifesaving operations must be contactable via radio where network coverage exists.

This document must not be displayed, including in a patrol room, or reproduced in any form, without permission from the Lifesaving Department, Surf Life Saving SA.

6.2 SLSA Equipment Policies 7.2 Radio Equipment Specifications