Emergency Amateur Radio Communications Volunteers
During an emergency, such as an earthquake, wildfire or other natural or human-made disasters, “amateur” or “ham” radio can be used to provide continuity of communications. The communication infrastructure of an area can be heavily compromised during a disaster. Cellular systems as well as landlines can be overwhelmed, damaged, or even destroyed. This interruption in communications places immense strains on first responders, local governments and volunteer organizations as they try to provide relief to those impacted.
Local radio clubs
Coast Emergency Communications Association (CECA)
Service area: from south Nanaimo to Lantzville
The CECA team is one part of the RDN's emergency communication team. CECA provides back-up communication services when traditional communication services are unavailable. Members use various radio systems to provide two-way communications in times of disaster or crisis situations to deliver messages to emergency responders, the RDN Emergency Operations Centre and other associated agencies. For more information visit Coast Emergency Communications Association (CECA) or email at %20info [at] coastemergency.ca (info[at]coastemergency[dot]ca).
Oceanside Emergency Communications Team (OECT)
Service area: from North Lantzville to Qualicum Beach
The Oceanside Emergency Communications Team (OECT) supports the Emergency Management Oceanside team, in the North RDN. Volunteers licensed through Industry Canada as radio operators provide communications within the region, throughout the province and around the world using voice and digital radio equipment. Messages can be forwarded about the welfare of residents to loved ones outside of the region as well as information about the needs of the region in an emergency. For details visit Oceanside Emergency Communications Team or the Mid Island Amateur Radio Association.
Emergency radio communication volunteers (Province of BC)
What volunteers do
Licensed amateur radio operators volunteer throughout the province to assist with communications between individuals, and emergency operation centres when communications are down. Volunteers also assist in searches for people who may be lost or injured. Learn more from the Provincial Emergency Radio Communications Service (PERCS) website.
Source: Emergency radio communication volunteers (Province of BC)
How to join?
The Provincial Emergency Radio Communications Service (PERCS), links the Provincial Emergency Operations Centres (PREOC) with hundreds of volunteer amateur radio operators who are available to assist with communications in the event of an emergency.
Source: Emergency radio communication volunteers (Province of BC)
Training
PERCS volunteers train regularly with their regional offices and often take part in emergency exercises, so they are prepared for any crisis that arises.
Source: Emergency radio communication volunteers (Province of BC)
Volunteer resources
Go to Emergency radio communication volunteers (Province BC) to access policies, procedures, FAQs and forms on the following.
- Volunteer safety and code of conduct
- Equipment repair and replacement
Radio communications specific resources
Visit the PERCS website for specific resources for emergency radio communications.
Source: Emergency radio communication volunteers (Province of BC)