Talking Into Microphone of An Amateur Radio Station

FCC regulations state that a licensed amateur radio operator must always be present when amateur radio equipment is used, regardless whether the equipment not involved with repeaters is used during normal conditions or during emergency conditions. The amateur radio operator is the control operator for the equipment. However, FCC regulations allow 3rd party personnel to hold and speak into the microphone of amateur radio equipment. As you participate in emergency communications, you may have opportunities for personnel of the agency or organization you are serving to speak into the microphone and communicate with other relief personnel. Please keep the following in mind.

1. Non-licensed personnel can hold and speak into the microphone of amateur equipment to conduct the "business" of the organization. This includes pressing the push-to-talk switch of a microphone.
   


2. Except for pressing the push-to-talk switch, the non-licensed person may not operate any of the knobs or switches of the transmitter or receiver. This includes turning the power to the equipment on or off, adjusting the volume and squelch of the receiver, adjusting the power output of the transmitter, adjusting the frequency of the receiver and transmitter, connecting or disconnecting the antenna from the transmitter, and adjusting the connection or match between the transmitter and the antenna.


3. The licensed ham radio operator should give the call sign at the beginning and end of the conversation to identify the amateur station being used.

Of course, if a real, life threatening emergency exists, people can do what is best for their precarious situation.