OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS

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The following are the qualifications for emergency operators to operate
ARES or RACES stations:

1. Possess a current FCC Amateur Radio Operator's License (Preferably, a General or higher class license). Reminder: Technician or higher for the VHF & UHF bands; General or higher for the lower HF bands.

2. Each operator is limited to the operating privileges imposed by his/her class of license (unless normal communications are not available and immediate threat to life or property exists.)

3. Operators should be currently registered and certified as ARES operators by the appropriate Emergency Coordinator before they may participate in ARES nets. An ARES identification is issued to each applicant after they complete a formal registration form and forward it to the local ARRL County Emergency Coordinator.

4. All operators intending to participate in RACES nets are to be currently certified and registered in the local RACES organization. An applicant must complete a registration form and forward it to the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Office. Once approved, a RACES identification card is sent to the operator.

5. It is possible for operators to be registered and certified concurrently as ARES and RACES operators and to support both operations. The differences are:

1. RACES nets operate under the control of government officials once an official state of emergency has been declared. Membership as RACES operators is controlled by state and federal agencies - they issue the identification cards.

2. ARES nets most often are the first emergency nets to operate in an emergency or disaster. They are operating before any official disaster is declared. These nets operate throughout the amateur bands. The ARES organization is supported by the Field Services unit of the American Radio Relay League. Registration for ARES operators is handled by the American Radio Relay League's appointed County Emergency Coordinator.

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