ACC Safety Bulletin: Radios
Radios: amplifying safety in outdoor adventures
By Andrew Osinski
How often have you been out of shouting-range from your group with some very important information you would like to share with them such as “on belay” or “start the sauna, we’re almost back to the hut”? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could communicate further than you can yell?
You may consider the use of radios for your next trip out. Personal radios have become increasingly affordable and are continuing to grow in popularity. Not only a convenience gadget, radios can be an important safety tool to consider distributing throughout your group before you set off. Being able to effectively communicate between group members can be instrumental in having a more enjoyable outing or even preventing an accident before it happens.
Types of Radios
There There are two types of radios available to the general public: VHF and FRS (walkie talkie). Both types of radios will be able to talk amongst their type, but communication between VHF and FRS radios is not always straightforward.
VHF Radios
- Can be tuned to many individual frequencies, but will need to be programmed by the user.
- It is easy to program a radio incorrectly, and can be difficult to program it right.
- Both you and the radio must both be licensed for use in Canada, as prescribed by Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). You can find more information on licenses here.
FRS Radios
- Can only be tuned to “preset” frequencies, but does not have to be programmed by the user.
- Generally considered easy to use and often come with some convenience features.
- License-free in Canada (check the local regulation when traveling to other countries).
What to know before you go
No matter what radios you use, always perform a radio check with each device when you leave the trailhead or at your meeting point for the day. It is important to ensure that your devices are properly tuned and that your group members know how to use them.
Some radio channels are quite popular (e.g., FRS-123). You may find other groups appearing on your channel, which can at a minimum provide a distraction and at worst disrupt critical communications. Performing a radio check can help to identify busy channels. If you find this to be the case on your channel, have your group switch to a different one.
Tip: Some radios are equipped with privacy codes or subchannels that filter out unwanted transmissions, allowing you to stay focused on your partner and avoid extra noise.
It is important to understand the range limitations of your radios and the landscape that can impact transmission. Radios work best with a direct line of sight and worst when large terrain features (such as mountains) are blocking the path. In the best conditions you can have a conversation over several kilometres, but from opposite sides of a mountain, you’ll get nothing. Test and get to know your radios before you rely on them.
Another thing to consider is that radios can sometimes provide a false sense of security in a group. Be aware of how far apart people become and how long it would take to get to someone if they needed assistance, even if you can get in touch with them using a radio.
Tip: Regardless of terrain or radio range, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan, such as “meet back at X location at 3pm.”
Note: The ACC partners with Rocky Talkie, makers of FRS radios for recreational use. Members receive 20% off your purchase of radios. For information on how to access this discount, see your member page online.
Get Involved
If you have an idea for future bulletins please contact safety@alpineclubofcanada.ca. You can help the club’s safety culture by reporting incidents and near misses using our reporting form. If ACC members would like support on safety issues in trip planning, please reach out and we would be happy to talk it through with you!
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