RAC Auxiliary Communications (AUX-C) Communicator Course

RAC Auxiliary Communications (AUX-C) Communicator Course

Radio Amateurs of Canada continues to actively engage in discussions with various Emergency Management agencies and non-governmental organizations to facilitate training programs in Canadian provinces and territories. These initiatives have the potential to significantly enhance our emergency communication capabilities.

As a result of these discussions, RAC is excited to introduce a new Auxiliary Communications (Aux-Comm) Training Program, designed to enhance our communication capabilities during emergencies.

As a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Radio Amateurs of Canada understands the importance of effective coordination and communication during crises. The training is based on the All-Hazards Risk Assessment methodology, ensuring we can effectively mitigate communication failures and collaborate with other organizations during a disaster.

Successful Pilot Program

In partnership with Emergency Management Ontario, Radio Amateurs of Canada initiated a successful pilot program in Sudbury, Ontario on September 7 and September 8 and has now added two new locations in York Region and in the Niagara Region. Please see the information on the left for dates and time.

Future Courses

RAC will provide information about future courses on this webpage and in our other communication vehicles including RAC bulletins, social media and the RAC website. 

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Course Overview

Target Audience:

The course is designed for experienced Amateur Radio volunteers who provide communication support during planned events and incidents, as well as communication personnel from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and government Emergency Management services.

Goal:

The Aux-Comm Training Program aims to improve interoperability among Non-Governmental Organizations and Emergency Management workforces, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective disaster response. 

The goal of this 20-hour course is to provide instruction to Auxiliary Communications volunteers so that their individual and organizational efforts/expertise are appropriately integrated into the public safety/service communications support environment.

Auxiliary Communicators provide alternate communications by supporting communications with other organizations:

• in cases where local services have failed:
• at emergency incidents/planned events/training exercises
• within the emergency management structure (Emergency Operations Centre (EOCs), etc.)

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Course Outline

The RAC-ACS Communicator Course will cover the following topics:

• The Communications Unit and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
• AuxCommRoles and Responsibilities
• Interoperable Communications
• Incident Communications
• Incident Radio Communications Plan
• Incident Communications Centre
• Team Management and Accountability
• Resources, Safety and Deployment
• Best Practices
• Interoperability and Radio Networks

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Group Exercise Scenarios:

• SOP Exercise
• Power Outage
• Train Derailment
• Wild Land Fire
• Severe Storm/Flood