Communications Planning

Emergency Communication Plan (ECP)

In the 2026 travel landscape, relying solely on cellular roaming is a dangerous gamble. An ECP is a formal agreement between you and a "Home Base Contact" (HBC) that establishes how you will stay in touch and what happens if you don't.

1. The Technology Hierarchy

• Satellite Messenger (Garmin inReach / Zoleo): Essential for 2-way SMS via the Iridium network. Allows you to "ping" your location daily.
• PLB (Personal Locator Beacon): A dedicated 406MHz distress beacon with no subscription required. Use only in "life-or-limb" emergencies.
• Starlink Mini: Provides high-speed data for complex problem solving or medical tele-consults in remote areas.
• Local SIM Cards: Always the first line of defense for standard updates, but never to be relied upon for safety in the bush.

2. The Trip Intentions Protocol (The "Float Plan")

A search-and-rescue (SAR) operation is only as effective as the "search box" you provide. Before leaving cell range, send a formal **Trip Intentions** update to your HBC.

The "Five Pillars" of a Route Update

1. The Route Detail: Don't just list a destination. Detail the specific tracks.
   • Example: "Taking the Old Gascoyne Road via the Rabbit Proof Fence track, not the paved Murchison Hwy."
2. Vehicle Description: Make, model, color, and license plate. Mention distinctive features like a specific roof-top tent or bright recovery boards, as these are what pilots look for.
3. Passenger Manifesto: List everyone on board and any critical medical conditions (e.g., "Two adults, one is an asthmatic with a 2-week inhaler supply").
4. The "Overdue" Time: The exact time your contact should worry.
   • Example: "If you don't hear from me by 10 PM Tuesday, wait 12 hours. If still no word by 10 AM Wednesday, notify local police."
5. Communication Windows: Tell them when you plan to be active.
   • Example: "Will send a 'Checking In - OK' satellite message every evening between 6 PM and 8 PM."

3. If You Are Stranded: The Survival Rules

• STAY WITH THE VEHICLE: This is the #1 rule of desert survival. A vehicle is a massive target for air searches, provides shade, and holds your water. Never "walk for help" unless you can see it.
• The "Dead Man's Switch": If you miss your "Hard Deadline," your HBC must assume you are incapacitated. They should provide your Last Known Location (LKL) to the authorities immediately.
• Ground-to-Air Signals:
  • Use a signal mirror or a CD to flash at planes.
  • Use the "Three Signal" Rule: Three of anything (whistle blasts, fire smoke plumes, mirror flashes) is the international distress signal.

4. Trip Intentions Template (Copy/Paste)

Give this to your contact before every leg:

TRIP INTENTIONS:

  VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL:                                  [Make/Model]
  VEHICLE COLOUR                                       [Color]
  VEHICLE REG/PLATE                                    [Registration Plate]
  DRIVER NAME:                                         [Names & Health Notes]
  PASSENGERS:                                          [Names & Health Notes]
  STARTING LOCATION:                                   [Current Location]
  STARTING DATE   __/__/__   __:__                     [Day/Time to call for help]
  DESTINATION:                                         [Target Location]
  ROUTE:                                               [Specific Tracks/Waypoints]
  SAT-PHONE/MESSENGER ID:                              [Device ID]
  CELL NUMBER:                                         [Mobile Number]
  RADIO FREQUENCY:                                     [MHz AM/FM or Channel/Standard]
  HARD DEADLINE:  __/__/__   __:__                     [Day/Time to call for help]