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The Emergency Communications Division of the S A Radio League
The SARL is a founder member of the International Amateur Radio Union and as part of it's charter, the SARL is required to operate an emergency communications division which is charged with providing accurate and efficient communications in times of natural and other disasters, and when life or property is endangered.
This task has been delegated to HAMNET which is the SARL's emergency communications arm.
HAMNET further provides a service to the Government of the Republic of South Africa in terms of the constitution of the SARL, rendering assistance in providing a radio communications network in times of disaster and whenever the life, property or safety of the community is endangered.
HAMNET works closely with the National Disaster Management organisation (previously known as Civil Defence and later Civil Protection) in liaison with the S A National Defence Force, S A Police Services, Provincial and Local Governments and other national bodies which all play a supportive role when any emergency situation arises within the Republic.
Members of HAMNET are required to be members of the SARL in order to fulfil the obligations of the SARL to the international and local communities as stated above.
HAMNET is structured on a National basis, with a National Director appointed by the Council of the SARL and who exercises executive control of HAMNET. Each Province falls under the direct control of a Provincial Director, a Deputy and Assistant Directors.
The objective of this structure is to place the command and control of HAMNET members under the jurisdiction of a provincial structure where decisions can most effectively be taken. Provinces can further operate sub-provincial HAMNET units at the discretion of the Provincial Director.
HAMNET members are required to undergo training in order to be proficient in emergency network protocols, operating procedures, the efficient handling of any incidents under emergency conditions and to be able to locate and proceed to, or establish positions utilising longitude and latitude references. This latter aspect is important especially when air 'search-and-rescue' operations are underway.
All members of HAMNET are issued with an identification card recognised by the majority of services within the Republic. If you have a colour printer, you can print your own copy of the Hamnet Badge here.
The aims, objectives, operating structure and organisational rules of HAMNET are fully detailed in the 
Hamnet Rules and Organisation.
As a division of the SARL, HAMNET members enjoy special dispensation in the passing of third party traffic during emergency situations or when transmitting welfare messages in service of the community. Under normal circumstances the passing of third party traffic is not allowed by an amateur radio station in terms of the Telecommunications Act (1996).
In pursuance of its service to the community, HAMNET is directly represented on the national committee of SATEPSA, the South African Telecommunication Electrical Power Supply Authority, which is the overall co-ordinating body of all disciplines involved in any disaster management situation. A number of Provincial representatives also serve on the sub-structures of SATEPSA.
In addition, HAMNET is represented on the South African Search And Rescue (SASAR) national sub-committee, which co-ordinates all air Search-and-Rescue operations within the Republic and over the territorial waters surrounding the country. SASAR operates via the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) at Johannesburg International Airport and MRCC, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Platteberg in the Western Cape.
HAMNET further sits on numerous other committees and co-operates with the Directorate Road Traffic Education and Communications division of the Department of Transport, the South African Red Cross Society and other non-governmental bodies having similar objectives in pursuance of its aims and objectives.
Any licensed radio amateur who is a member of the SARL may join HAMNET. Should you be interested in this community service-orientated extension of our hobby, you may contact the National Director, Francois Botha ZS6BUU on e-mail at jfbotha@iburst.co.za or he can be contacted directly through IRESC at zs6buu@iresc.org. An application form will be made available to you, and you will also be put into contact with the Provincial Director of the Province in which you reside and under whose direct control you will operate.
