Listen before calling
Listen first to check whether the frequency is in use. If a QSO is in progress, wait for a suitable pause. Do not interrupt an ongoing contact unless there is a genuine urgent reason.
Calling a specific station
A call should identify the station being called and the station making the call. Under the Indian procedure, the called station's call sign is sent no more than three times, followed by DE in Morse or 'This is' in telephony, and the caller's call sign no more than three times.
Replying to a call
The reply identifies the calling station first, then DE or 'This is', followed by the replying station's own call sign. Keep the exchange clear and avoid unnecessary repetition.
General call
CQ is used as a general call in radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony. The Indian procedure also refers to 'Hello all stations' in telephony. A general call invites other amateur stations to respond.
Call repetition intervals
The Indian Annexure states that a call may be sent three times at intervals of two minutes. After that, it must not be repeated until an interval of ten minutes has passed, during which the operator listens on the band.
End of message and end of contact
For Morse transmission, AR ends a message. In telephony, the word 'Over' indicates that the operator has finished speaking and expects a reply. VA in Morse, or 'OUT' in telephony, indicates the end of work between stations.
Call-sign identification during a long contact
Send the assigned call sign at the beginning and end of each transmission period. If a transmission period lasts more than ten minutes, repeat the call sign during it.
Phonetic alphabet
Use the international phonetic alphabet when spelling call signs, names or difficult words. It reduces confusion between letters that sound alike.
Numbers
Speak numbers clearly. When the formal figure code is needed, use the recognised ITU procedure. Avoid unclear number groups, especially for frequencies, locations and emergency information.
Test transmissions
The Indian Annexure limits test signals to no more than 30 seconds. In Morse, use a series of VVV followed by the station call sign. In telephony, the series of VVV is replaced by the spoken figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and so on.