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The Phonetic Alphabet is recognised worldwide for radio communications, it enables radio operators to pass sometimes difficult words over the airwaves during the communication process. When dealing with a foreign vessel for instance the name may be hard to pronounce but can be spelt out phonetically making it easier for the operator receiving the call.

When rescue teams are on a rescue there are many factors that can influence the quality of radio communications between them and their control base. Depending on the frequency they are using, distance from shore and the severity of the weather at the time communication can sometimes be very difficult. The signal may be weak or even broken at times and this means it is vital that important information about the casualty is sent and received accurately, if not a rescue team searching a large area may not arrive at the intended location!

Using the  Phonetic Alphabet makes this process much easier and can sometimes mean the difference between life and death!

The Phonetic Alphabet

The list below shows the word used for each number and letter of the alphabet and also how to pronounce them.