SECURITY In the interest of security, transmission by R/T should  be  as  short  and  concise  as  possible.  All operators must be cautioned that transmission by R/T is subject to enemy interception, and care must be taken  when  passing  information. The   following   basic   rules   are   essential   to transmission security and are to be strictly enforced: 1. No transmission will be made unless it has been authorized  by  proper  authority. 2. The following practices are forbidden: Violation of radio silence Unofficial conversation between operators Transmitting   on   a   direct   net   without permission Excessive tuning and testing Transmitting the operator's personal sign Unauthorized use of plain language Use of other than authorized prowords Linkage or compromise of classified call signs and address groups by plain language disclosures or association with unclassified call  signs Profane, indecent, or obscene language 3. The following practices are to be avoided: Use of excessive transmitting power Excessive   time   consumed   in   tuning, changing  frequency,  or  adjusting  equipment Transmitting   at   a   speed   beyond   the capabilities of receiving operators RADIO NET A radio net is the organization of two or more stations  in  direct  communication  on  a  common channel. Usually the senior station in the circuit is net control, and it directs the operation and flow of traffic on the net. The type of net and method of operation is determined  from  consideration  of  operational  factors involved. In  a  free  net,  the  net  control  station  (NCS) authorizes stations to transmit traffic to other stations without   first   obtaining   permission   from   NCS. However, the NCS is not relieved of responsibility for maintaining circuit discipline. In  a  direct  net,  stations  must  obtain  permission from   NCS   before   communicating   with   other stations.  When  two  or  more  stations  have  traffic  to send, NCS grants permission in order of message precedence.  An  exception  is  that  flash  messages may be sent direct. A net is deemed to be a free net unless otherwise ordered. To change the type of net in effect, the NCS will transmit, “This is a free net” or "This is a directed net," as appropriate. Free  and  direct  nets  are  generally  associated with,   but   are   not   restricted   to,   administrative circuits in port. They are a means of net operation and   should   not   be   confused   with   specifically named circuits; for example, task group reporting net, naval gunfire control net, task group tactical/ warning net. CIRCUIT LOGS Circuit logs are maintained, when possible, on all R/T nets or circuits. The log should show a complete record of all transmitted and received traffic and of operating conditions. The log should also include the following: Time of entering and leaving the circuit Causes of delays on the circuit Frequency adjustments and changes Unusual occurrences, such as procedures and security  violation Messages addressed to, or relayed by, the receiving station  are  written  in  full  on  a  message  blank. Only sufficient data needs to be entered in the log to   identify   the   message   (originator,   time   of receipt, and the date-time group). Other messages should be logged with as much detail as possible. A  watch-to-watch  record  of  circuit  operators  is kept, with each operator signing the log on being relieved. No entries will be erased. Necessary changes are made  by  drawing  a  single  line  through  the  original entry and then entering the change adjacent to the lined-out entry. The operator making the change initials the correction. All entries must he legible. Abbreviations may be used, but they must be readily understood. 4-14