jjcsx
Member
I was wondering about one part in particular of the FCC Rules regarding Ham radio. Essentially, my question is: If you are a LICENSED Ham operator, are you authorized to transmit emergency messages out of ham bands in an emergency situation?
My hypothetical situation is: I'm out driving around when I come up to a railroad crossing. I can see a car stuck on the tracks and realize that a train is approaching. Normally, I would just use my cell phone to call in the situation to the dispatcher, but in this case there is not enough time for me to contact the dispatcher, who then in-turn has to contact the train, before the vehicle would get struck. Would it be legal for me to transmit directly to the train in this instance, notifying them of the situation in front of them, thus saving valuable reaction time in applying the emergency brakes?
Obviously it would be illegal to transmit on any frequency you're not licensed in at any time other than an emergency, but would it be legal in this particular situation? Any info regarding this would be greatly appreciated!!
My hypothetical situation is: I'm out driving around when I come up to a railroad crossing. I can see a car stuck on the tracks and realize that a train is approaching. Normally, I would just use my cell phone to call in the situation to the dispatcher, but in this case there is not enough time for me to contact the dispatcher, who then in-turn has to contact the train, before the vehicle would get struck. Would it be legal for me to transmit directly to the train in this instance, notifying them of the situation in front of them, thus saving valuable reaction time in applying the emergency brakes?
Obviously it would be illegal to transmit on any frequency you're not licensed in at any time other than an emergency, but would it be legal in this particular situation? Any info regarding this would be greatly appreciated!!