The net can be called into session by myself, certified NCSs (KB5ASR, WA5EE, N5JCG, others will be added), the MARC club President or Vice President, when directed by LEMA or NWS or upon instructions from the MS Section Manager.

1. WE DO NOT FORECAST THE WX OR DIRECT OTHER AGENCIES. We only report and provide communications when asked.

2. The Net Control Station (NCS) is the boss. We all work for the net control station.

3. During net operations if you are monitoring the MARC repeater please check-in. Expect to listen more than you talk. Newer operators should listen and see what goes on during the net, but be ready to assist if called on by the NCS. Don't think you are being left out if you don't do a lot of communicating. If bad WX passes without a single report other than the NCS ID'ing it means we had a very good session.

4. The NCS can not do everything. He will need help. If you desire to be a bulletin or liaison station, local emergency management agency (LEMA) point of contact, or serve in some other function please let the NCS know. Be prepared if asked to assist.

5. An NCS is only good for a couple of hours before a break is needed. One or two NCS operators will not be able to handle an extended storm. It is a very rewarding feeling after a successful operation.

6. Use MAYDAY to break the net if you have life threatening traffic. Examples include auto accidents with serious injuries or other situations in that category.

7. Use BREAK to break the net if you have priority traffic. Traffic such as a tornado sighting, funnel cloud, hail, lightning, heavy rain, and etc. Use your call to break the net for routine traffic.

8. When using repeaters wait for a second or so after the courtesy beep if you are transmitting routine traffic. This allows stations with higher priority traffic to break the net.

9. When transmitting, hold the mike properly, key down first then talk across and not into the mike. Speak slowly, distinctly, clearly and don't let your voice trail off. Don't talk to long and time the repeater out. If you have a long report transmit you should at about one minute intervals, release the key, wait for the courtesy beep plus about two seconds and then key down and continue your report.

10. Organize your thoughts before you press the key and it will be much easier to get your traffic across. Don't get stressed or angry if you have to repeat your transmission.

Time gets compressed when people get excited and they have a tendency to talk very fast. Maybe faster than the NCS can comprehend.

11. Relay messages exactly as you hear them. If what you hear does not make sense get an explanation from the originator before you go on the air. That station may not be on the air if you have to go back for clarification.

12. Be and sound alert, use the standard phonetic alphabet to avoid confusion and don't use 'Q' signals. They are NOT for voice work. Use words like affirmative, negative, unable, and Roger instead of yes, no, can't, OK.

13. Use your call at the beginning and end of each report. Always acknowledge your call and any instructions. If you do not understand instructions given to you then ask for clarification or repeat the instructions and request confirmation.

14. Never leave the net without permission from the NCS. He may need you and won't be able to reach you.

15. Only transmit facts. Your credibility is on the line with each transmission. If you are not 100% sure of your source indicate that such is the case.

16. Remember that the strongest signal captures the repeater. Doubling may occur. If the NCS does not appear to have heard the doubling bring it to their attention.

17. Make sure your equipment is operating properly. Help with some problems is available. We want to keep you on the air and will do what we can to insure you are there when you are needed. Prepare your station for emergency operations by having spare batteries, emergency generators, auto batteries for your HF, VHF/UHF, and any other equipment that will work off 12 vdc if you can afford to do so.

18. Keep notes on things you don't understand or suggestions you may have. Your critique of the operation can provide us with inputs that will valuable in improving the program. Do not think at any time that your inputs will be ignored.

Jim WB5OCD