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1. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to identify organizations which could augment other volunteer spotter groups -- private citizens, law enforcement agencies, and emergency service organizations; to describe their capabilities and limitations; to show how these organizations have been helpful; and to suggest ways of recruiting spotters from these organizations.

2. Organization -- Background. There are several approaches that can be taken toward the organization and operation of a spotter network. A common approach has been to locate volunteer observers, provide them with minimal training, and hope they would and could report by telephone. This approach is usually supplemented by involving members of law enforcement and other emergency service groups into the effort. While these approaches are of some value and will result in useful spotter programs, they do not provide the high quality of volunteer assistance needed in areas with frequent severe weather. In such areas, the National Weather Service (NWS) needs well organized groups of volunteers with sophisticated mobile communications. Such groups are to be found in the Amateur Radio Service and Citizen's Band Service.

2.1 Amateur Radio Service. A primary objective of the Amateur Radio Service is to provide public service through non-commercial emergency communications. As a result, amateur radio has-become a natural and valuable ally of the NWS. Where severe weather or hurricanes are a frequent problem, the majority of NWS offices have direct amateur assistance. Often this includes the operation of amateur equipment by a licensed amateur in the NWS office.

All operators and stations are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with different grades of licenses and privileges accorded, depending upon the demonstrated skill and competence of the applicant. All classes of licenses require passing an International Morse Code test and a written examination on radio theory, practical radio operations, equipment adjustment, and FCC regulations. Amateur communications cover a broad spectrum of capabilities. Certain bands are especially suited for mobile communications, while others provide nationwide or international coverage. Amateur communications are normally well organized and highly disciplined.

2.2 Citizen's Band Service. Citizen's band (CB) radio was set up to meet a public demand for a portion of the radio spectrum to be used for personal or business communications which could not normally be met through commercial facilities. The CB operator is not required to pass any written test on the technical aspects of radio nor required to have any knowledge of International Morse Code. Power limitations and band characteristics normally limit direct communications ranging from 5 to 30 miles. At times, distances may be much greater, but it is illegal to exceed 150 miles.

3.1 Amateur Radio Service. The majority of amateur spotter networks are sponsored by local amateur radio clubs that operate independently of any other organization. In addition to this informal initiative, there are two principal emergency communication organizations which also operate at the local level on a more formal basis. The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) operates on specifically designated segments of the regular amateur bands under the sponsorship and authorization of local or state Civil Defense (CD) officials.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a national organization of amateurs willing to provide voluntary emergency communication services. It is organized at the county level in each state. Unlike RACES, ARES is not sponsored by local or state CD but by a national amateur radio organization, the American Radio Relay League. However, ARES groups are anxious to assist local CD and NWS interests. NWS regional headquarters can furnish field offices with ARES contact points. -

3.2 Citizen's Band Service. Like amateur radio, many CB clubs provide assistance to the spotter program. One of the largest groups providing public service is the Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Teams. CB groups have been especially effective in rural areas and small-to-moderate sized cities where band congestion is not as great a problem as in major metropolitan areas.

4.1 Activation. Arrangements should be made for volunteer assistance in advance of an actual emergency. These arrangements should be reviewed at least annually. Instructions for obtaining assistance should be readily available to the field office staff. Where Amateur and/or Citizen's Band Radio groups participate in a spotter program, emergency communications assistance will normally be included in the basic SKYWARN effort. If such groups are not routinely involved in the spotter program, special arrangements may be needed. For example, coastal offices may wish to arrange for Amateur Radio assistance only during hurricane threats.

4.2 Equipment. NWS offices cannot purchase or service Amateur or Citizen's Band transceivers. These must be furnished and maintained by the volunteer organization or individual. In some cases, the volunteer organization may wish to leave a transceiver in the NWS office. The official in charge should ensure that such equipment is not misused and is protected in the same manner as NWS-owned equipment. Using appropriate procurement channels and authorizations, NWS offices may provide antennas, cables, power supplies, etc., which are necessary for the operation of transceivers provided by the cooperating volunteer organization.

4.3 Scope. Information passed via Amateur and Citizen's Band networks does not have to be limited to spotter reports. Radar and warning information may be passed to mobile spotters or to fixed locations, such as emergency operations centers. Coordination may be accomplished between NWS offices, if necessary. The nature of the information relayed should be coordinated in advance with the volunteer organization to ensure they are willing to handle it and are in compliance with the FCC regulations that govern their services.