Wilderness Protocol
The Wilderness Protocol defines frequencies and times to send and monitor for emergency and priority communications. The LiTZ (LONG TONE ZERO - On Touch Tone Pad) Protocol defines a method of sending a tone to notify others of emergency or priority communications. It is important for all amateur radio operators to be familiar with both protocols in order to summons or provide help to others when needed. The protocols are more effective when more people use them.

Note - Emergency communications can be transmitted on any frequency at any time. The Wilderness Protocol and LiTZ Protocol are in place to aid communications when no response is received.

Monitoring The Wilderness Protocol
The Wilderness Protocol suggests radio operators (Amateur service) should monitor standard simplex channels at specific times in case of Emergency or Priority Calls. The idea is to allow communications between hams that are hiking, backpacking or camping in uninhabited areas, outside repeater range an alternative opportunity to be heard.

Amateur Radio
Wilderness Protocol
Monitoring Frequencies
Band Mode MHz
6 Meters FM 52.525
2 Meters FM 146.520
1.25 Meters FM 223.500
70 Centimeters FM 446.000
23 Centimeters FM 1294.500

Amateur Radio
Wilderness Protocol
Monitoring Times (Local not ZULU)
24 Hr AM / PM
0100 - 0105 1:00am - 1:05am
0400 - 0405 4:00am - 4:05am
0700 - 0705 7:00am - 7:05am
1000 - 1005 10:00am - 10:05am
1300 - 1305 1:00pm - 1:05pm
1600 - 1605 4:00pm - 4:05pm
1900 - 1905 7:00pm - 7:05pm
2200 - 2205 10:00pm - 10:05pm

NOTE - This is NOT just for hikers, back packers, campers or similar situations. It is for ANYONE to use at ANYTIME, that you need assistance!

Recommended Use of "Wilderness Protocol"

MONITOR FREQUENCIES - Monitor the Primary Frequency - 146.520 MHz and any or all of the Secondary Frequencies - 52.525 MHz, 223.500 MHz, 446.000 MHz , 1294.500 MHz.

ALTERNATE TIMING - Monitor every 3 hours as suggested above, however monitor 5 minutes before the hour till 5 minutes past the hour. In case users watch is incorrect.

ENHANCED MONITORING - Fixed stations or portable stations with enough battery power listen every hour at the top of the hour. Continuous monitoring is also an effective option.

INFORMING OTHERS - Remind others of this protocol at meetings, on nets and in the field.

CALLING FREQUENCY - 146.520 MHz is a calling frequency. Make your calls, and then move off the frequency so others can use the frequency. Suggested frequencies to move to 146.550 MHz, 146.430 MHz, etc. Suggested use 4 minutes after the hour. This timing would help those in trouble not be covered up.

USE THE LiTZ (LONG TONE ZERO - On Touch Tone Pad) - Begin calls for assistance with 10 or more seconds of Tone with the LiTZ (Long Tone Zero) signal.

REMEMBER - These are Calling Frequencies, and standard calling should only start at 4 minutes after the hour preceded by listening for 30 seconds. Listen First then Call CQ with short transmissions, then carefully listen. Listen First is always a best practice.

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