FCC Emergency Communications Declaration policy prefers VHF - UHF

The FCC has formalized its policy for issuing an emergency communications declaration (ECD) on Amateur Radio Service frequencies. The policy, which became effective August 2, states that ECDs will be issued for VHF or UHF repeaters - if the licensee consents - or on simplex channels in the 60-meter band. The FCC will not entertain requests to specifically sequester frequencies in other HF bands for emergency traffic only. Past emergency communications declarations - typically issued during weather-related emergencies - have put frequencies on 75 and 40 meters off
limits to general use in an affected region.

"ECDs may only be issued after a disaster disrupts normal communication systems in a geographic area subject to FCC regulation," the FCC said, citing §97.401(b).
Under its provisions, when a disaster disrupts normal telecommunications systems in a given area, the FCC may declare a temporary communication emergency that sets forth any special conditions and special rules stations must observe while it's in effect. The policy clarifies that the FCC has authority to issue ECDs only for communication
emergencies and not on the basis of anticipated emergencies. It also tightens up the requirements to request an ECD.

The policy calls for VHF and UHF Amateur Service channels to receive preference for ECDs. Requests may indicate a specific repeater system, subject to permission from the repeater's licensee or trustee. On HF, the FCC says, an ECD may authorize the use of one or two 60-meter channels,
centered on 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373 and 5405 kHz, subject to §97.303(s). See ARRL's Frequently Asked Questions regarding 60-meter operation for details.

The FCC said frequencies in other amateur bands - where emergency nets already have been established - may be used during emergencies under the provisions of §97.101(c). That rule section stipulates that amateur operators give priority to stations providing emergency communications "at
all times and on all frequencies."

The FCC policy, Emergency Communications Declarations in the Amateur Radio Service, is available on the ARRL Web site.

Source: ARRL Letter - courtesy of The American Radio Relay League

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