AUXCOM
How an AM radio works:
This chapter summarizes the major components and principles of radio systems.
AUXCOM, the Auxiliary Communications Specialty course, focuses on radio communications for the Auxiliary and Coast Guard, providing broad knowledge of the fundamental principles underlying communications systems in use by both the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary. You can achieve success as an AUXCOM Specialist by passing a closed book, proctored examination with a score of 75% or better.
Auxiliarists owning or operating Fixed Land, Land Mobile, or DF Radio Facilities must complete the Auxiliary Telecommunications Operator Personal Qualification Standard (TCO PQS) training or must have completed the Communications Specialty (AUXCOM) course prior to 1 August 2008.
This web page was developed to aid the trainees enrolled in Division 22's AUXCOM course. Offered below is supplemental information, which is not intended to replace the course manual.
Related Courses:
AUXCOM on Blackboard.com The AUXCOM Course (Auxiliary Communications) can be taken on Blackboard.com. If you would like to participate in this online course just contact Dr. Juan Hernandez at e-mail address: drjhernandez@comcast.net. Dr. Hernandez will get you a password and user name and register you for the course. [Posted: Oct 2, 2010. Source: Gail Venezio, DIR-T]
Auxiliary Telecommunication Operator Specialty (TCO)
AUXCOM Manuals and Power Point Slides:
Communications (AUXCOM) - manuals and power point slides (edirectory password required)
Course Schedule (2010):
28-Sep Chapter 1
5-Oct Chapter 2 & 3
12-Oct Chapter 4
19-Oct Chapter 5
26-Oct Chapter 6
2-Nov No Class- Election Day
9-Nov Chapter 7
16-Nov Chapter 8
23-Nov Chapter 9&10 - at Station Eatons Neck
30-Nov Chapter 11 & Review
TCO
7-Dec TCO - Charts TCO- Sign offs
14&21 Dec TCO - Sign offs
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION BY CHAPTER:
Chapter 1: BASIC MARINE RADIOTELEPHONE SYSTEMS NOMENCLATURE AND THEORY
Summary:
Otherwise, the installation is considered voluntarily installed.
Do I need a permit to operate a radio?
If I have a radio do I have to listen to all that noise?
There are so many channels, how do I know which to use?
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
How to Use Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Radios
Interactive VHF/DSC Radio Tutorial: "Can You Hear Me?"
Automatic Identification System
Radio Prowords and Phonetic Alphabet
Chapter 3: CALLING AND ANSWERING PROCEDURES
Summary:
This chapter covers the procedures used by all boaters (non-USCG) to call or answer a call.
Okay, so I have a radio, how do I use it?
Chapter 4: DISTRESS, URGENCY, AND SAFETY MESSAGE
Summary:
This chapter covers the procedures used by all boaters (non-USCG) for distress (MAYDAY), urgency (PAN-PAN), and safety (Secuite).
What About in an Emergency situation like Mayday! Mayday! Mayday?
What do you do if you hear a distress call?
What do you do if you are out of range of other vessels and no one responds to your distress call?
How do you know if there are Storm Warnings?
What about MAYDAY Radio Checks and other Hoaxes?
Making a distress call on a VHF-FM radio:
This chapter summarizes the most significant rules which should be familiar to all licensees and operators of voluntarily installed ship radiotelephone stations. It covers the regulations and procedures all boaters (non-USCG) need to know about using the radio.
Radiotelephone required for:
(1) Every power-driven vessel of 20 meters (65') or over in length while navigating;
(2) Every vessel of 100 gross tons and upward carrying one or more passengers for hire while navigating;
(3) Every towing vessel of 26 feet or over in length while navigating; and
(4) Every dredge and floating plant engaged in or near a channel or fairway in operations likely to restrict or affect navigation of other vessels except for an unmanned or intermittently manned floating plant under the control of a dredge.
Single Side Band vs. Conventional AM
Principal types of radios on boats:
SSB-AM (2-30MHZ)
Used extensively on offshore vessels
150 watt transmission power
Range 100 miles+, greater with skywave bounce
Notable frequencies:
2182KHZ - distress
2638KHZ- ship to ship in all areas
Used for data transmission
VHF-FM (156-162 MHZ)
used for coastal vessel
25 watt transmission power
Range up to 25 miles- limited by radio horizon ( Nautical miles =1.23 X Sqrt (antenna height in feet))
Notable channels/frequecies:
16 (156.8MHZ) - distress/calling
09 - non-commercial boat calling - alternate calling channel
70 - digital selective calling
13 - ship to bridge, or ship to ship
REPEATERS
What is a Repeater, Why is it Needed, and How Does It Work?
Chapter 2: VOLUNTARILY INSTALLED MARINE RADIOTELEPHONE STATION REGULATIONS
Summary: