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The Radio Amateur's Emergency Network, RAYNET, was established in 1953 to provide communications for the emergency services in times of disaster. This role has expanded over the years to providing communications for many public events such as marathons and charity walks.
The terms of the Amateur Radio Licence permit radio amateurs to handle "third party" messages for User Services during emergencies and at public events.
RAYNET is there to pass messages by radio. We cannot, for example, act as marshalls at a checkpoint. We can provide radio operators at fixed positions, such as checkpoints or a rest centre, in vehicles, typically ambulances and pick-up minibuses, or on foot, say with the sweep team for a walk or as a shadow for a particular person.
If you wish to use RAYNET for an event or exercise and you are not a User Service, then you will need to be working with such a Service thus allowing us to work for them.
Most User Services have their own communications networks that are more than adequate for most occasions. However, telephones and the electricity system do fail; neither are available in remote areas.
RAYNET is a voluntary organisation. Groups do not charge for their time or the use of their equipment. However, User Services and many event organisers are pleased to make donations for the service they receive.
This page was last updated on the 25 September 2007.