8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON1 COMMS 101 An Introduction to the Communications Discipline and Opportunities to Serve

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON2 US COAST GUARD Communications Safety of Life at Sea

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON3 Purpose of the Presentation General Outline of US Coast Guard Comms The role of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Cooperative efforts between CGAUX, CAP, US Navy MARS, USAF Mars, and others.

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON4 United States Coast Guard The lead military agency of the Department of Homeland Security (not DoD) A multi-mission agency: Law Enforcement Safety of Navigation & SAR Military Operations Environmental Protection Extensive Sea-borne and Air-borne Assets

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON5 Coast Guard Communications CG utilizes a full range of comms: From Medium Frequency through UHF from 2 Megahertz through 800 Megahertz CG utilizes a full range of modes: Voice Digital Data transmission Images

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON6 UNIQUE CHARACTERISTIC In all of it’s roles, but especially in maritime safety, the CG operates as part of a world wide community, so many of the traits of communications in the CG are driven by international rules and regulations. Two organizations, the International Maritime Organization and the International Telecommunications Union set many of our rules.

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON7 GMDSS – the KEY In 1999, a whole new concept in maritime comms was put into place.called Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON8 GMDSS Components HF Weather & Safety Broadcasts COSPAS – Satellite based SAR services VHF Radio Digital Selective Calling Automatic Identification System

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON9 VHF RADIO Most commonly used service in coastal areas Used by commercial and recreational vessels alike Focused on Safety CG monitors Channel 16 24/7 Other channels used for command and control

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON10 Digital Selective Calling Grew out of excessive channel loading System involves the assignment of a unique number to each vessel or asset (shore stations) Number identifies characteristics of the vessel Possible to address one (and only one) vessel with a message (page). Position polling is also possible

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON11 DSC, Part 2 System operates on HF and VHF with worldwide coverage DSC can not only page a specific vessel but also automatically switch that vessel’s voice radio to a specific channel DSC can page vessels in a particular area or in a pre-defined “Group”

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON12 RESCUE 21 New project presently being implemented around the US Enhanced VHF comms Incorporates DSC for VHF Adds AIS (Automatic Identification System) Eventually will allow data transmission

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON13 RESCUE 21, Part 2 Is presently being implemented in the Seattle area and other areas on East and Gulf Coasts Will be implemented in Southern California in 2006 Single biggest change in CG Comms since the introduction of FM VHF radio

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON14 Automatic Identification System AIS is a transponder based system using UHF radios. Vessels will automatically transmit a variety of information periodically Supplements coastal radar coverage (Vessel Traffic System) with detailed information Implemented now on large vessels

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON15

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON16 Coast Guard Auxiliary Roles Fundamentally a force multiplier for the USCG Many different missions: Public Education Safety Patrols (Ocean and Lakes/Rivers) Vessel Inspection Operational Support SAR Harbor Security Patrols

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON17 PACAREA COMMS CAMSPAC – Communications Area Master Station-Pacific Support of Command and Control Utilize All Modes and All Frequencies as needed Support of Maritime Domain Awareness programs Support Disaster Response

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON18 Varies by CG District Primarily VHF Voice (now) Used for Operational Support of the CG and for command and control of Auxiliary assets Provides mechanism for “radio guard” for both “AUX” and “gold side” assets CGAUX Comms - 1

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON19 CGAUX Comms - 2 In the Eleventh Coast Guard District, Southern Region, there are some 300 radio facilities (ACU’s) Most of these are hand held or mobile radios Presently there are about 50 “fixed land” stations including several which are CGAUX properties, as opposed to privately owned. Currently four stations are manned each weekend

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON20 CGAUX Comms - 3 Many changes are coming up Increasing use of DSC for both safety guard purposes and command and control More and more participation in disaster (natural and unnatural) response Increasing use of data (rather than voice) comms Greater integration with the Rescue 21 project

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON21 How do YOU Participate? Become AUXCOM qualified first Acquire and register an “ACU” (Auxiliary Communications Unit) Regularly participate in weekly nets Join special projects Be a team member for drills and exercises either ashore, afloat or airborne

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON22 CM Department Organization

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON23 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES DSO-CM Oversight of comms program and assets Interface with national, Area, and other Districts Plan and manage overall programs

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON24 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ADSO-CM’s Cognizance of all comms activities in specific geographic AOR’s Lead development of multi-level comms networks throughout the District Develop and implement specific programs as prototypes for District Represent DSO-CM in District

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON25 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES SO-CM’s Provide key link to membership and Division Bridges Channel concerns and accomplishments from members to DSO-CM and to District Bridge Direct and Oversee the implementation of “local networks”

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON26 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES FSO-CM Where the “rubber meets the road” Direct link to members Source of accurate, complete information to membership Source of expertise in comms procedures, programs and equipment.

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON27 PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES HF Communications DSC Comms and Monitoring PE and PA Activities Emergency Communications Enhanced Training and Education Participation in Multi-agency Activities

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON28 Interagency Cooperation The future, we believe, is in multi-agency activities Benefits include sharing knowledge, tools, assets, and most important, SPECTRUM There are many agencies attempting comms, especially in times of unrest or domestic threat Few, if any have the comms assets we represent, for example a 10 KW HF station able to transmit fax data by radio.

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON29 Interagency, Part 2 However, no matter how strong each individual agency’s assets are there is always a force multiplier available from cooperation.

8 Jan 2005 W.H. Scholz, DSO-CM, CGAUX D11s DCON30 So, Who are the Agencies? On a National and International Basis: Civil Air Patrol Coast Guard Auxiliary US Navy Military Affiliate Radio System USAF Military Affiliate Radio System US Army Military Affiliate Radio System Each brings strengths and unique assets