T1I: Emergency communications; broadcasting; indecent and obscene language

If you hear a voice distress signal on a frequency outside of your license privileges, you are allowed to help, in any way possible, even by operating on a frequency outside your privileges. In a life- or property-threatening emergency, you may use your amateur station to transmit an "SOS" or "MAYDAY". In a life- or property-threatening emergency, you may send a distress signal on any frequency.

An FCC declaration of a temporary state of communication emergency includes information about any special conditions and special rules to be observed during the emergency. If a disaster disrupts normal communication systems in an area where the amateur service is regulated by the FCC, amateur stations may make transmissions that are necessary to meet essential communication needs and facilitate relief actions.


The term broadcasting is used to mean transmissions intended for reception by the general public, either direct or relayed.

Under no conditions may a Technician class operator use his or her station to broadcast information intended for reception by the general public. Broadcasts intended for reception by the general public are not permitted in the Amateur Service.


Obscene words are NEVER allowed in amateur transmissions. Indecent words are NEVER allowed in amateur transmissions.

Indecent and obscene language is prohibited in the Amateur Service because (A) it is offensive to some individuals, (B) young children may intercept amateur communications with readily available receiving equipment, and (C) such language is specifically prohibited by FCC Rules. (All of these choices are correct).

There is no public list of prohibited obscene and indecent words; if you believe a word is questionable, don't use it in your communications