12) RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

Scott Base communication operators generally seem unaware of their importance to field parties. Without citing specific examples, members of this event found it difficult and often unreliable to send messages through the base operators. A particularly difficult time with the radio operators occurred in early December when operator teams were changed. One suggestion may be to change over one operator at a time rather than all three at once. After this change over, there were several incidents where a Scott Base operator failed to respond to calls from field parties. These were calls heard clearly by other field parties indicating that the base operator was simply switched off.

Radio communications with the NSF helos is poor to nonexistent and needs improvement.

Communication with McMurdo helo ops should be available. Too often Kiwi field parties get word from Scott Base operators that the helo will arrive at a certain hour, but in fact it shows up 4-5 hours later. This is because the base operator has either mis-read the daily flight sheet or there is some genuine problem with the helo. It seems reasonable that since all helo movements are done through Mac Center, and since US parties have communication access to Mac Center, that Kiwi field parties should also have communication to Mac Center.