RAYNET

What is Raynet?

Inverness & District RAYNET Group

The Radio Amateur Emergency Network is an organisation of radio amateurs who train to provide emergency communication facilities in times of civil emergency.  It is a condition of the 1949 Wireless Telegraphy Act (under which all licensees are issued) that amateurs may be requested by user services to provide communication facilities. Since the Act was passed the definition of user services has expanded but is essentially Police, Fire, Ambulance as well as Red Cross, Council Emergency Planning Officers etc. Since 1949 wireless communications have advanced somewhat (!) and the User Services all have comprehensive communication systems.  However in disaster situations even the best systems fail or be overloaded - Raynet can and does help. Perhaps by providing the initial rapid response, setting up a communications centre  and providing the initial links; then as time goes on and the User Services get their own systems established  Raynet will take over handling non-urgent traffic.

Raynet members as licenced Radio Amateurs have specialist knowledge and a wide range of frequencies and modes which can be utilised to provide not only local but also regional and even worldwide communications.

Training is essential and this can be take the form of practicing message handling procedure or deploying "in the field" to help with safety at sporting events etc.  The Inverness and Fort William Groups co-operate on a number of events. 

Although communication systems in the form of mobile phones are everywhere and taken for granted having a means of communication is  not the same as having communications. We can also help in training members of other organisations who need to pass messages by phone,  radio etc.  

Send mail to info@Inverness-Ray.net with questions or comments about this web site. The information is as accurate as I can make it but no responsibility is accepted for it.  If in doubt ask ! 

Copyright © 2002 J S Grieve, GM0OTI              Last modified: 01/05/05