3.NWS Gray Op. Areas

3. SKYWARN Operating Areas

1. Cooperation Among Operating Areas

2. SKYWARN Repeaters

3. Subnets

4. Special Provisions for New Operating Areas

3. SKYWARN Operating Areas

To better organize the structure of the SKYWARN program and to ensure efficient operation and adequate network staffing during SKYWARN activations, the NWS Gray County Warning Area has been broken down into several Operating Areas. The boundaries of these Operating Areas are generally based on repeater coverage. Each Operating Area is directed by an Area Manager. In the event of a vacancy in that position, the personnel within that Operating Area will report directly to the Amateur Radio Coordinator until the position is filled. The basic duties of the Area Manager are outlined in this manual.

The Area Manager oversees his group of qualified, trained Net Control Stations and ensures that at least two Net Control Operators (or the Area Manager) are available to start a net at all times, throughout the year.

3.1. Cooperation Among Operating Areas

It is often possible for a Net Control Operator in one Operating Area to access the designated SKYWARN repeater in a neighboring Operating Area. Area Managers and their Net Control Operators are expected to cooperate with one another by taking whatever actions are necessary to ensure neighboring nets are covered with a qualified Net Control Operator as needed.

Net Control Operator volunteers shall provide a list of designated SKYWARN repeaters which he/she can access from the location(s) from which they will be serving as NCO, and shall provide updates to this list as station or repeater changes modify station capabilities.

Area Managers whose territories lie at the outer boundaries of the NWS CWA are strongly encouraged to become familiar with and forge a positive, cooperative relationship, with neighboring SKYWARN amateur radio teams.

3.2. SKYWARN Repeaters

In the spirit of good amateur radio practice, the SKYWARN leadership will secure permission from the trustee of each Primary repeater prior to its designation as a Primary SKYWARN repeater.

Generally, no such permission will be sought for repeaters periodically used as Backup repeaters. Repeaters selected for Primary use should be wide-coverage repeaters readily accessible from handheld and mobile stations within the majority of the Operating Area the repeater will serve.

The repeaters should have a track record of reliability and availability, and should be equipped with a minimum of four hours of battery and/or generator backup power. Additional consideration will be given to repeaters with any sort of linking capability.

3.3. Subnets

Some Operating Areas may have Subnets in locations where the Primary SKYWARN Repeater or link system does not have adequate coverage. It is suggested, but not required, that each Subnet be under the direction of a designated Net Manager. The Net Manager role is described in this manual.

Staffing of the Primary Net takes priority; Net Control Operators should be assigned to the Primary Net first, and any remaining Net Control Operators may then be assigned to the Subnet. An exception exists for situations where severe weather is confined to the territory served by the Subnet, in which case it is only necessary to activate the Subnet for that event.

3.4. Special Provisions for New Operating Areas

To facilitate the launch of new Operating Areas or the relaunch of a defunct Operating Area, the Amateur Radio Coordinator has the right to waive some of the training, experience, and licensing requirements. Frequency designations may be made on a temporary basis pending formal approval of repeater trustees and an evaluation of the team's capabilities. Spotter training requirements may be relaxed provided team members are willing to obtain the required training within one year.