Two-way radio communication etiquette and protocol

Two-way radios are ideal when you need to coordinate activities across teams in environments where rapid-fire communication and responses are essential. They’re tough, durable and can handle the demands of just about any workplace. With everyone on a channel being able to hear messages, there will be little or no need for repetition when requiring people or teams to perform tasks or assist each other. 

To get the best results out of this type of communication, you and your team members must follow a code of radio etiquette. Your radio protocol consists of a set of rules that are intended to ensure clear communication. Etiquette forms part of that, but your protocols will also include rules covering questions like channel usage, the allocation of call signs, and so on. 

This article focuses on two-way radio etiquette and covers the basics your team must acquaint themselves with to ensure clear communication and efficient two-way radio use. It will also touch on the protocols you’ll apply. Although many of these may seem obvious, a complete summary of what your protocols should consist of will help you to capture them, communicate them, and ensure uniform implementation. 

Send clear, concise, and well-considered messages

With several people relying on the same channel to communicate, team members should think carefully before sending messages. They should use clear, straightforward language with no frills or extras. Any utterance that does not directly contribute to a message’s intent has no place in radio communications. 

Wait for the channel to be clear

Team members should never interrupt mid broadcast. They must wait until the channel is clear. This ensures that all messages are heard and understood. Your emergency protocols will include procedures to be followed in the event of a crisis, for example, the use of an emergency channel or a distress signal. 

Identify yourself and the person or people you are addressing

Call signs help to keep communications clear by identifying who is speaking and which people or teams are being addressed. Keep them as brief and as clear as possible and make sure that everybody knows them and uses them. Examples may include “Team Alpha” or designations like “Site Manager.”

Use radio lingo to indicate message status

There are good reasons for using radio jargon. The most important of these is that it indicates the status of sent and received messages aiding effective communication. 

For example, “over” means that you have finished speaking and are awaiting a response. “Roger,” or “copy” means you’ve heard and understood a message. It can also be used as a question: “Do you copy?” when a response is delayed or you are uncertain whether the recipient has understood a message. “Do you read me?” serves the same purpose. “Wilco” is an abbreviation for “will comply.” “Out” indicates the end of an exchange, confirming that no response is expected.

Decide on and implement a standardised set of radio terms to ensure uniformity and clear understanding. You can also use the phonetic alphabet to spell out words clearly for better clarity, especially when signal quality is poor:

A – Alpha

B – Bravo

C – Charlie

D – Delta

E – Echo

F – Foxtrot

G – Golf

H – Hotel

I – India

J – Juliett

K – Kilo

L – Lima

M – Mike

N – November

O – Oscar

P – Papa

Q – Quebec

R – Romeo

S – Sierra

T – Tango

U – Uniform

V – Victor

W – Whiskey

X – X-ray

Y – Yankee

Z – Zulu

Be professional at all times

Personnel should only use two-way radios for the communication purposes for which they were intended. This means resisting the temptation to indulge in chit-chat or to use the channel to vent frustration with the work or other people involved in it. Efficiency and professional courtesy are basic requirements that all your staff should understand and implement. 

Know what to do in an emergency

Distress signals and emergency channels are important features. Employees must know how to use them and what constitutes an emergency. Two-way radios can offer a lifeline during crisis situations and form an important component in workplace risk mitigation strategies. Through an emergency button, other users can be called for help, or features such as lone worker alarm or man down can keep the team connected in real-time.

Document and implement additional protocols

Besides requiring compliance with etiquette rules to ensure that two-way radios are used professionally, your protocols should include a few important extras. These include:

• Implementing training to promote compliance with two-way radio etiquette.
• Listing call signs and ensuring that employees familiarise themselves with them and make use of them.
• Ensuring that two-way radio users understand their radios’ features and can use them effectively.
• Allocating channels for specific communication purposes and reinforcing procedures. workers should follow to ensure that they are on the correct channel at any given time.
• Capturing emergency protocols and ensuring that all users know how to follow them.
• Setting in place maintenance regimes, for example, cleaning and battery charging routines. 

Ensuring that all the correct procedures, protocols and two-way radio communications etiquette are captured and shared ensures professional deployment and effective use of two-way radios. 

Radiocoms: professional two-way radios for your workplace

Whether you are implementing two-way radio communication in your workplace for the first time or are upgrading an existing system, choose professional providers. At Radiocoms, we can recommend systems based on your workplace environment and communication needs. 

Working with reputable manufacturers like Motorola, Tait, and Entel, we supply durable and effective equipment that matches your operational needs. Thousands of businesses across industries rely on us for communications solutions. As independent professionals, you can be sure that we will only recommend two-way radio systems that are fit for purpose. Our loyalties lie with our clients, and with around five decades in the business, you can be certain of professional assistance. Talk to us today.

Read more about two-way radios.