RAYNET can provide an extremely valuable communication resource to any operation, be it a pre-planned event or a major incident. The resources that RAYNET has at its disposal are vast and the groups are able to engineer almost any link over any distance, voice or data, as short notice.
Both in times of major civil emergency and during pre-planned operations and event, existing communications can become rapidly overloaded and a more strategic communications network is required.
RAYNET can offer:
- Additional flexible communication links to complement established systems.
- Members who come from a variety of backgrounds and can bring with them a wide range of skills, knowledge and expertise
- Established local contacts
- A national 24hr emergency contact telephone number (0303 040 1080)
Although RAYNET can provide organisers with communication links, its primary aim is in assisting with the safety provisions for the event and, to this end, must be formally asked by either one of the statutory services or St. John Ambulance Brigade (St. Andrew Ambulance Association in Scotland) or the British Red Cross Society. If one of these organisations is not in attendance, RAYNET will probably not be able to assist as the operation would be outside the terms of the Amateur Radio transmitting licence.
RAYNET is a registered charity and does not charge for its services, however as with any charitable organisation, it needs funds to support its’ members. Most pre-planned events provide a donation to the group(s) which have assisted. It should be remembered that RAYNET is often amongst the first people to attend and is usually there well past the natural end of the event.
RAYNET is a communication service. It should not be regarded as extra marshalling help etc. The RAYNET insurance does not cover members for carrying out tasks other than those related to setting up and operating communication networks.