There were several changes to answers in this section, but they were only wording changes. For example, the answer to question G2B11 changed from “whatever frequency has the best chance of communicating the distress message” to “whichever frequency has the best chance of communicating the distress message. ”
Whenever you’re operating, courtesy should always be a consideration when selecting a frequency. Except during FCC declared emergencies, no one has priority access to frequencies, common courtesy should be a guide. (G2B01)
One of the ways to be courteous is to select your operating frequency so that you do not interfere with other stations operating on nearby frequencies. The first thing you should do is make sure that you choose an appropriate frequency for the mode you are going to use. To comply with good amateur practice when choosing a frequency on which to initiate a call, follow the voluntary band plan for the operating mode you intend to use. (G2B07)
Some band plans may denote a frequency or small band of frequencies as the DX window for that band. The “DX window” in a voluntary band plan is a portion of the band that should not be used for contacts between stations within the 48 contiguous United States. (G2B08)
Next, avoid interference with other stations by ensuring that the frequency you want to use is not already in use. Remember that on many HF bands you may only be able to hear one station and not the other, so before calling, ask if the frequency is in use. A practical way to avoid harmful interference on an apparently clear frequency before calling CQ on CW or phone is to send “QRL?” on CW, followed by your call sign; or, if using phone, ask if the frequency is in use, followed by your call sign. (G2B06)
Another thing you should do is to make sure that the frequency you wish to use is not too close to other stations. The customary minimum frequency separation between SSB signals under normal conditions is approximately 3 kHz. (G2B05) When selecting a CW transmitting frequency, 150 to 500 Hz is the minimum separation that should be used to minimize interference to stations on adjacent frequencies. (G2B04)
Band conditions can change during the course of a contact. If propagation changes during your contact and you notice increasing interference from other activity on the same frequency, as a common courtesy, move your contact to another frequency. (G2B03)
It’s also important to know what to do if you hear a station in an emergency situation. While the rules are very strict regarding normal operation of an amateur radio station, an amateur station is allowed to use any means at its disposal to assist another station in distress at any time during an actual emergency. (G2B12) This means using frequencies outside of the amateur bands and using high power should the situation require it. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, you should send a distress call on whichever frequency has the best chance of communicating the distress message. (G2B11)
The first thing you should do if you are communicating with another amateur station and hear a station in distress break in is to acknowledge the station in distress and determine what assistance may be needed. (G2B02) Helping that station in distress should become your first priority.
In certain emergencies, government officials might activate the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). Only a person holding an FCC issued amateur operator license may be the control operator of an amateur station transmitting in RACES to assist relief operations during a disaster. (G2B09) If the situation is really dire, more specifically when the President’s War Emergency Powers have been invoked, the FCC may restrict normal frequency operations of amateur stations participating in RACES. (G2B10)
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