3.2Communication protocols#
Whenever using a communications device (such as telephone or radio), and in critical direct conversation, speak clearly and slowly. Where possible, plan the message before speaking. Ensure that the information is received correctly and, if in doubt, ask for read-back confirmation.
3.2.1Confidentiality and discretion#
TIMS personnel shall:
- as far as is possible, ensure that communications are not overheard by the public or media
- avoid incident commentary or discussion beyond direct responsibility for traffic management issues.
3.2.2Phonetics#
Table 3.2.2 – Phonetic alphabet, numbers and time of day
| Alphabet | ||||||
| ‘When in doubt, spell it out’. Use the phonetic alphabet to spell out critical words, particularly vehicle number plates. Ensure the state the plate is registered in is recorded, including Queensland plates. | ||||||
| A – Alpha | E – Echo | I – India | M – Mike | Q – Quebec | U – Uniform | Y – Yankee |
| B – Bravo | F – Foxtrot | J – Juliet | N – November | R – Romeo | V – Victor | Z – Zulu |
| C – Charlie | G – Golf | K – Kilo | O – Oscar | S – Sierra | W – Whisky | |
| D – Delta | H – Hotel | L – Lima | P – Papa | T – Tango | X – X-ray | |
| Numbers | ||||||
| Numbers shall always be spoken as shown. Other numbers may be pronounced as normal in non-critical communications. Example: 309 = ‘Three hundred and niner’ = ‘Three Zero-Niner’. | ||||||
| 0 – Zero (not ‘oh’, ‘nought’) | 14 – One-four | 17 – One-seven | ||||
| 9 – Niner | 15 – One-five | 18 – One-eight | ||||
| 13 – One-three | 16 – One-six | 19 – One-nine | ||||
| Time of day | ||||||
| Always use the 24-hour clock to refer to time of day. Include an initial ‘Zero’ for times prior to 1000 hrs, example: 6:15 AM is 0615 hrs, pronounced ‘Zero Six One-Five Hours’. | ||||||
| Midnight is either 2359 hrs or 0001 hrs, never 0000 hrs. |
Table in words
- The phonetic alphabet is used to spell out critical words, particularly vehicle number plates.
- The state the plate is registered in is recorded, including Queensland plates.
- A – Alpha, E – Echo, I – India, M – Mike, Q – Quebec, U – Uniform, Y – Yankee.
- B – Bravo, F – Foxtrot, J – Juliet, N – November, R – Romeo, V – Victor, Z – Zulu.
- C – Charlie, G – Golf, K – Kilo, O – Oscar, S – Sierra, W – Whisky.
- D – Delta, H – Hotel, L – Lima, P – Papa, T – Tango, X – X-ray.
- Numbers shall always be spoken as shown.
- Other numbers may be pronounced as normal in non-critical communications.
- Example: 309 = ‘Three hundred and niner’ = ‘Three Zero-Niner’.
- 0 – Zero (not ‘oh’, ‘nought’), 14 – One-four, 17 – One-seven.
- 9 – Niner, 15 – One-five, 18 – One-eight.
- 13 – One-three, 16 – One-six, 19 – One-nine.
- Always use the 24-hour clock to refer to time of day.
- Include an initial ‘Zero’ for times prior to 1000 hrs, example: 6:15 AM is 0615 hrs, pronounced ‘Zero Six One-Five Hours’.
- Midnight is either 2359 hrs or 0001 hrs, never 0000 hrs.