[PSUBS-MAILIST] RFC-20070002 - Phonetic Communications

["Jon Wallace" <jon@psubs.org>]

AUTHOR:         Jon Wallace
ORGANIZATION:   PSUBS.ORG
SUBJECT:        Phonetic Communications
RFC ID:         PSUBS-RFC-20070002
Reply-To:       personal_submersibles@psubs.org

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*** REQUEST FOR COMMENT ***
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1. Purpose.
To standardize the phonetic use of the English alphabet, numbers, and
special characters for verbal communication during dive operations.

2. Introduction.
Ship to ship, and ship to shore communication using the English language
should be standardized so that all parties can agree upon the meaning of
letters, phrases, and special characters that could be interpreted
differently by people of varying backgrounds.  It is well understood
that the meaning of some English words and phrases can sound similar,
and/or have different meanings depending upon context the word is used.
It is to the benefit of everyone involved if a standardized means of
communication can be implemented for future events.

3. Proposal.
The phonetic english alphabet shall be as follows:
        A: Alfa
        B: Bravo
        C: Charlie
        D: Delta
        E: Echo
        F: Foxtrot
        G: Golf
        H: Hotel
        I: India
        J: Juliet
        K: Kilo
        L: Lima
        M: Mike
        N: November
        O: Oscar
        P: Papa
        Q: Quebec
        R: Romeo
        S: Siera
        T: Tango
        U: Uniform
        V: Victor
        W: Whiskey
        X: Xray
        Y: Yankee
        Z: Zulu

The phonetic english numbers shall be as follows:
        0: Zero
        1: One
        2: Two
        3: Three
        4: Four
        5: Five
        6: Six
        7: Seven
        8: Eight
        9: Niner

Special Characters:
The phonetic decimal point (.) shall be "point".
The phonetic hypen (-) shall be "dash".
The phonetic pound sign (#) shall be "pound".
The phonetic exlamation mark (!) shall be "bang".
        .: Point
        -: Dash
        #: Pound
        !: Bang

Examples:
A submariner assigned a call sign of S100-A, would state:
"This is Sierra one zero zero dash Alpha"

A submariner at 39 feet depth, would state:
"My depth is three niner feet"

A submariner at a GPS location of 43.25712, would state:
"My GPS location is four three point two five seven one two".


4. Justification.
It makes good sense to define a phonetic standard for communications.
Most applications (ie Air Control, Coast Guard, Military) that depend
upon clear communication using electronic devices adopt a phonetic
standard.

5. Requirements.
   None.

6. Dependencies.
   None.

7. Enforcement.
This is a voluntary safety standard.  However, if this standard is adopted
by PSUBS.ORG, submersible owners/pilots who do not have the capability to
perform phonetic communication will not be allowed to dive at PSUBS.ORG
sponsored events.  Those submersibles that do not meet this communication
criteria are still encouraged to attend and participate in the static
display portion of the event.

8. Comment Deadline.
Comments will no longer be accepted 30 days after the first posting of this
proposal.

9. Comment Evaluation.
All comments will be evaluated for potential inclusion in the standard
within 30 days after the comment deadline.






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