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 (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.
- Radio: VHF and UHF Radios are of limited range and are really only useful for local communications, CB radio is a little better but should not be relied upon for long range SHTF comms.
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
- 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."
- 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.
- 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").
- 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."
- 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 Plan Template (Copy/Paste)
Give this to your contact before every leg:
VEHICLE: VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: [Make/Model] VEHICLE COLOUR: [Color] VEHICLE REG/PLATE [Registration Plate] VEHICLE FEATURES: ROOFTENT[ ],AWNING[ ], DECALS[ ] [Distinguishing Features of the vehicle (to aid Identification] FUEL CONSUMPTION/TANK RANGE: ____MPG/_____MILES [Use l/100km and km if applicable] TIRES: BRAND: SIZE: [For SAR identification] TRAVELLERS: DRIVER NAME: [Names & Health Notes] PASSENGER1: [Names & Health Notes] PASSENGER2: [Names & Health Notes] PASSENGER3: [Names & Health Notes] PASSENGER4: [Names & Health Notes] GENERAL PLANNING SLEEPING PLAN: IN VEHICLE [ ], IN TENT[ ] [Survivability] EXPERIENCE: HIGH [ ], MEDIUM [ ], LOW [ ] [Competency of travellers FIRST-AIDER IN GROUP: [ ] [Does someone in the group have medical/First-aid training?] COMMS SAT-PHONE/MESSENGER ID: [Device ID/Number CELL NUMBER: [Mobile Number] RADIO FREQUENCY: [MHz AM/FM or Channel/Standard being monitored/used] CHECK-IN CONTACT: CI NAME: [Check-in Contact Person] CI TELEPHONE: [Country Code + Full Telephone Number] CI EMERGENCY WORD: [Pick a word to say if you are under Duress] EMERGENCY CONTACT: EC NAME: [Emergency Contact Person] EC TELEPHONE: [Country Code + Full Telephone Number] EC ALT TEL: [Mobile] EC ADDRESS: [Emergency Contact's Home Address] EC RELATIONSHIP: [Who are they to you?] EC EMAIL: [Emergency Contact eMail] TRIP PLAN: STARTING LOCATION: [Current Location] STARTING DATE __/__/__ AM/PM [Day/Time to call for help] FUEL PLAN OUT: DISTANCE:____ML/KM FUEL REQ_____G/L. [Use km / l if applicable.] WAYPOINT1: DATE:__/__/__ AM/PM [Waypoint / Expected Date & Time] CHECK-IN1 TIME: __:__ METHOD: [Arranged Check-in Time] FUEL PLAN1: DISTANCE:____ML/KM FUEL REQ_____G/L. [Use km / l if applicable.] WAYPOINT2: DATE:__/__/__ AM/PM [Waypoint / Expected Date & Time] CHECK-IN2 TIME: __:__ METHOD: [Arranged Check-in Time] FUEL PLAN2: DISTANCE:____ML/KM FUEL REQ_____G/L. [Use km / l if applicable.] WAYPOINT3: DATE:__/__/__ AM/PM [Waypoint / Expected Date & Time] CHECK-IN3 TIME: __:__ METHOD: [Arranged Check-in Time] FUEL PLAN3: DISTANCE:____ML/KM FUEL REQ_____G/L. [Use km / l if applicable.] DESTINATION: DATE:__/__/__ AM/PM [Target Destination and date] CHECK-IN1 TIME: __:__ [Arranged Check-in Time] PREDICTED TRIP LENGTH: _____DAYS [How long should the trip take in total?] HARD DEADLINE: __/__/__ __:__ [When you must have checked-in by before alarm is raised] MISSED CHECK-IN ACTION: [e.g."If 24 hours pass without a check-in, contact local authorities."] SUPPLIES: WATER: TRAVELLERS____x 1G(4l) x (DAYS____ +2) = ____Gal. [with 2 days contingency] FOOD: TRAVELLERS____x____ DAYS =____RATIONS. [Rations@2500 Calories/Day] SUPPLEMENTS:TRAVELLERS____x____ DAYS OF SUPPLEMENTS. [A-Z vitamins] MEDS: TRAVELLERs x_____ DAYS OF PERSONAL MEDICINES [As required] TP: TRAVELLERs____x 0.33 ROLLS x____DAYS =_____ROLLS. [0.33rolls per day includes a contingency] EQUIPMENT: FIRST AID KIT: LOCATION: TYPE: [PFAK, Car, Comprehensive, EMT] FIRE EXTINGUISHER: [ ] LOCATION: RECOVERY KIT: WINCH[ ],JACK[ ],SANDBOARDS[ ] TOOLS:[ ] SPARES KIT: Note: Fuel Required = 'Miles to waypoint' ÷ MPG
EMERGENCY CONTACT & CHECK-IN BRIEFING
{{#if: | | | style="border: 2px solid #a2a9b1; background-color: #fee7e6; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 1em;" CRITICAL NOTICE: This document is to be held by the designated Check-In Contact. If the party has not checked in by the HARD DEADLINE, initiate search protocols immediately. }}
1. Communication Response Protocol
Because communication in remote areas can be intermittent, use the following tiered response before contacting authorities:
- Short Delay (< 4 hours): No action required. Continue to monitor all channels (Cell, SMS, Sat-Messenger).
- Moderate Delay (> 12 hours): Attempt to contact the secondary Emergency Contact (EC) listed in the Route Plan to see if they have received independent updates.
- Hard Deadline Reached: INITIATE EMERGENCY SEARCH. Do not wait for "one more hour."
2. Who to Call
| Agency | Contact Number | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Local Authorities | [Insert Police/Ranger Number] | 1 |
| SAR Dispatch | [Insert County/State SAR Number] | 2 |
| Sat-Messenger SOS | [e.g., Garmin IERCC / Global Rescue] | 3 |
3. The "Emergency Word" (Duress Code)
If the party contacts you but includes the word [INSERT WORD HERE] in the conversation:
- Do NOT acknowledge the code or act alarmed.
- Finish the conversation normally.
- Hang up and call authorities immediately. This indicates the party is under duress or in a dangerous situation they cannot speak freely about.
4. Reporting to Authorities
When reporting the party missing, provide the following details from the Route Plan:
- Vehicle: [Year/Make/Model], [Color], [Plate #]
- Last Known Point (LKP): The last waypoint where a successful check-in occurred.
- Stay-Put Capacity: The party is carrying [X] days of water and [X] days of food.
- Equipment: Note if they are carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Flare kit.
5. Situation Status Tracker
Check-in Contact should update this table as the trip progresses.
| Waypoint | Scheduled Time | Actual Check-in | Status (OK/Late) | Notes/Location Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waypoint 1 | ||||
| Waypoint 2 | ||||
| Waypoint 3 | ||||
| Waypoint 4 | ||||
| FINAL DEST |
Shelter: Are you sleeping in the vehicle, a rooftop tent, or a ground tent? (This tells rescuers what to look for if you’ve abandoned the vehicle).
Medical Kits: Level of medical training (e.g., Basic First Aid vs. EMT) and location of the kit in the vehicle.