SCAT 2024 Exercise Overview
The SCAT 2024 (Shoreline Communications and Tracking) exercise is a large-scale field test designed to validate emergency response plans for shoreline pollution incidents. It brings together RAYNET volunteers, emergency planners, and local councils to test communication methods, data gathering, and coordination techniques in a realistic scenario.
The main objectives of this exercise include:
- Surveying & Reporting – Teams at Minnis Bay will collect pollution data and send survey reports via email, while aerial photographs will be transmitted from airfields to ground teams.
- Live Video Feeds – A drone, if operational, will provide real-time video downlink to assist in situational awareness and decision-making.
- New OFCOM Frequencies – Testing a newly allocated air-to-ground communication frequency to improve coordination between airborne and ground teams, addressing a key gap identified in previous exercises.
- Demonstration of Capabilities – The exercise will be observed by representatives from Kent Councils and other emergency response organizations, showcasing RAYNET’s role in emergency communications.
Technical Aspects & Communications
A variety of radio and digital communication systems will be tested to ensure multiple layers of redundancy, including:
- Beach Safety & Local Communications:
- Logging personnel on and off the beach.
- Setting up a PMR (Private Mobile Radio) network for local safety coordination.
- Voice & Data Networks:
- Establishing a VOIP (Voice over IP) system between key locations.
- Running a Zoom network for video conferencing between remote teams.
- Testing amateur radio voice links through repeaters (GB3RE and GB3KN).
- Wi-Fi & Mesh Networking:
- Deploying a mesh network to provide internet access at Minnis Bay.
- Ensuring email reports can be transmitted reliably, even in locations with limited connectivity.
- Multi-Channel Communications Testing:
- Verifying communication paths using both PMR and amateur radio frequencies.
- Sending reports to designated tactical callsigns via email, replicating real-world emergency procedures.
- Exploring alternative backup methods to maintain continuous communication.
Why This Matters
In a real emergency, such as coastal pollution or natural disasters, communication failures can delay response efforts and worsen the impact. SCAT 2024 aims to ensure that multiple reliable communication pathways exist, allowing responders to coordinate effectively, even if conventional infrastructure is unavailable.
This exercise will help refine best practices for using radio, digital networks, and aerial surveillance in emergency scenarios. By testing multiple systems in parallel, the team can identify the most effective strategies for future deployments.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re an amateur radio operator, emergency planner, or tech enthusiast, there are many ways to contribute to exercises like SCAT 2024. Whether it’s operating radios, setting up networks, or analyzing the results, every role helps improve emergency preparedness.
