Clear communication isn’t just about the equipment—it’s about how you use it. Whether you’re coordinating teams at an event, patrolling a site, or managing logistics, following proper two-way radio etiquette ensures messages are delivered quickly and professionally.

At Safelight Communications Ltd, we train teams across industries to get the most out of their radio systems. Here’s what you need to know.

✅ Top Radio Communication Dos

✔ Identify yourself and who you’re calling
Always begin with the recipient’s call sign, then yours:
“Control, this is Security One, over.”

✔ Keep it short and clear
Think before you speak. Stick to key details and avoid rambling.

✔ Use standard radio phrases

• “Go Ahead” – Ready to receive
• “Roger” – Message received
• “Say Again” – Please repeat
• “Over” – I’m done speaking
• “Out” – End of conversation

✔ Wait before speaking
Let others finish talking before pressing the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button. Only interrupt for emergencies.

✔ Do a radio check
Start each shift with a quick signal test:
“Radio Check – do you copy?”

❌ Common Don’ts

✘ Don’t shout
Speak in a clear, normal tone. Yelling distorts your voice and makes messages harder to understand.

✘ Don’t use personal names
Stick to call signs or job roles—especially in large teams or over shared frequencies.

✘ Don’t talk too fast
Slow, steady speech ensures everyone understands—even in high-pressure situations.

✘ Don’t use slang or jokes
Radios are for professional use. Keep language clean, relevant, and appropriate.

🚨 Emergency Protocol

If you need to interrupt for an emergency:
Say: “Break, Break, Break – [Your Call Sign] – I have emergency traffic, over.”

Wait for acknowledgment, then proceed with details.

🔤 Know Your Phonetic Alphabet

Use phonetic spelling to avoid confusion—especially for addresses, codes, or names. For example:

• A – Alpha
• B – Bravo
• C – Charlie
• D – Delta
  … and so on to Z – Zulu

💬 Final Word

Great equipment is only half the equation. Proper training and etiquette complete the package. At Safelight Communications Ltd, we offer onboarding sessions, printed cheat sheets, and real-world communication tips to keep your team confident on the airwaves.

📞 Need etiquette training or custom call sign systems? Contact us today—we’ve got your back!