Shadowing Type III

Course Description

This is the classroom portion of the Shadowing class. The practical portion of the class is performed at a local event.

Intended Audience

Hams with experience in emergency communications who are interested in performing Shadow Communicator duties.

Prerequisites

• Valid Technician class or higher Amateur Radio license
• Field Operations Type III, Part A
• Field Operations Type III, Part B and Type II

NOTE: The above prerequisites are not strictly enforced. But in order to get the most out of this course, you should have previously attended the above courses. If you have not yet attended one or more of the prerequisites, you should carefully review the course materials for the missed prerequisites prior to attending this course. Then, be sure to attend any missed prerequisites at your earliest opportunity.

Format

In person, 3 hours

Students should bring

• Copy of course materials (see below)
• Pen/pencil and pad of paper

Learning Objectives

• Explain the role of the Shadow Communicator
• Explain the importance of the role
• Explain the proper equipment to use
• Deal with various problems faced by shadow communicators
• Function as a fully independent shadow communicator to
  • Handle personal safety
  • Properly and professionally interact with the principal
  • Effectively and efficiently pass message traffic at a low level
  • Handle and pass emergency traffic
  • Properly document and log all activities
• Understand the importance of intimately knowing how to program your radio

Topics Covered

• Roles and responsibilities
• Expectations of your principal
• Capabilities and services a shadow provides
• Types of message traffic handled
• Proper logging, monitoring, and message passing
• Proper shadowing techniques; the DOs and DON’Ts
• Dealing with problems encountered while shadowing
• Personal safety while shadowing