VECTOR Radio Skills Course

This four week course is a natural follow-on to obtaining your Amateur Radio Certificate of Proficiency. We cover topics of interest to any amateur radio emergency communications operator including:

• Phonetics, pro-words, net formats and procedures
• Radiograms, general message forms (ICS-213) and other messaging formats
• Introduction to the VECTOR / Vancouver EOC Radio Room
• Emergency Activation Protocols
• APRS for events and emergency use
• How VECTOR uses HF for emergency communications
• Introduction to the VECTOR Grab and Go Kit
• Packet Radio operation
• Personal preparedness
• Tips on obtaining your first (or second) radio

Held one evening a week, students will be paired up as partners for extra-curricular one on one radio contacts. The class also features an instructional net each week.

• Availability: VECTOR Members Only
• Offered: Annually in the spring leading up to Field Day in June and in mid-fall.

The genesis of the VECTOR Radio Skills Course is captured in this feature article in The Canadian Amateur magazine published by Radio Amateurs of Canada.

Public Service / ARES
VECTOR: Building Radio Skills for the Community (PDF)