ASTM F1583-95(2006)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Communications Procedures-Phonetics
Standard Practice for Communications Procedures-Phonetics
SCOPE
1.1 Establishment of PhoneticsThis practice covers the establishment of phonetics (including an alphabet, numerals, and punctuations), and the procedures for their use, in communications.
1.2 Performance This practice is intended to facilitate the performance of communications personnel and systems under adverse communications conditions. This objective is achieved by employing easily recognized and used symbols and procedures that are highly resistant to errors. This system may be used with speech, print, or other media.
1.3 Interoperability This practice is intended to facilitate the interoperability of communications personnel and systems among different organizations, especially if they use different internal practices. This system is also recommended for use within any organization for improved internal communications and uniformity of operations.
1.4 English as Common LanguageThis practice is intended for use with English. English has been designated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and others as a common interoperability language that is widely used in search and rescue, emergency, and international operations such as aviation, maritime, and military.
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Designation: F1583 – 95 (Reapproved 2006)
Standard Practice for
Communications Procedures—Phonetics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1583; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 automatic repeat-request (ARQ)—a system of error
control for information transmission in which the receiving
1.1 Establishment of Phonetics—This practice covers the
station is arranged to detect a transmission error and automati-
establishment of phonetics (including an alphabet, numerals,
cally transmit a repeat-request signal to the transmitting
and punctuations), and the procedures for their use, in com-
station. The transmitting station then retransmits the message
munications.
until it is either correctly received or the error persists beyond
1.2 Performance—This practice is intended to facilitate the
a predetermined number of transmittals.
performance of communications personnel and systems under
2.3 error correcting code—a code in which each symbol
adverse communications conditions.This objective is achieved
conforms to specific rules of construction so that departures
by employing easily recognized and used symbols and proce-
from this construction in the received signals can generally be
dures that are highly resistant to errors. This system may be
automatically detected and corrected. If the number of errors is
used with speech, print, or other media.
not greater than the maximum correctable threshold of the
1.3 Interoperability— This practice is intended to facilitate
code, all errors are corrected.
the interoperability of communications personnel and systems
2.4 error correcting system—in information transmission, a
among different organizations, especially if they use different
system employing either forward error correction or automatic
internal practices. This system is also recommended for use
repeat-request techniques or both, such that most transmission
within any organization for improved internal communications
errors are automatically removed from the data prior to
and uniformity of operations.
delivery to the user.
1.4 English as Common Language—This practice is in-
2.5 forward error correction (FEC)—a system of error
tended for use with English. English has been designated by
control for information transmission wherein the receiving
the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and
station has the capability to detect and correct any character or
others as a common interoperability language that is widely
message that contains fewer than a predetermined number of
used in search and rescue, emergency, and international opera-
symbols in error.
tions such as aviation, maritime, and military.
2.6 interoperability—the condition achieved among com-
2. Terminology munications stations or personnel when information can be
exchanged directly and satisfactorily between them or their
2.1 The terminology used in this practice is derived from
2,3
users or both. It is desirable that the exchanges are error free,
references (1-10).
rapid, and automatic.
2.7 phonetics—a system of symbols and procedures that is
used to control errors in communications, validate selected
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F32 on Search and
parts of messages, and enhance the interoperability and perfor-
RescueandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeF32.02onManagementand
Operations.
mance of communications personnel and systems.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2006. Published August 2006. Originally
2.8 phonetic alphabet—a selected set of phonetic symbols
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as F1583 – 95 (2000).
that has a one-to-one correspondence to the set of individual
DOI: 10.1520/F1583-95R06.
letters in a language. Also, any of various systems of code
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this practice.
words for identifying letters in voice communications.
This practice is based on an extensive survey of multiple organizations. Their
2.9 phonetic punctuation—a selected set of phonetic sym-
communications documents were consulted to determine or verify compliance and
bols that has a one-to-one correspondence to the set of
interoperability among their many known and accepted phonetic systems. These
documents are hereby referenced. individual punctuation in a language.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F1583 – 95 (2006)
2.10 phonetic numerals—a selected set of phonetic symbols correction (FEC), in most cases the symbols can be identified,
that has a one-to-one correspondence to the set of individual and the errors can be corrected promptly with no additional
numerals in a language. information.
2.11 phonetic symbol—a unique word or combination of
4.4.3 FEC is based on the error detection system, which is
letters that is used as a substitute for, or an addition to, a
usually the more robust of the two. Essentially, in certain poor
specific letter, numeral, or punctuation in a language. It has the
conditions, it is possible to detect errors even though they may
characteristics of an error correcting code.
not be correctable (at the moment).
4.5 Procedures for Retransmission—In most cases, prompt
3. Summary of Practice
error detection and correction is achievable through FEC. If
3.1 Interoperability and Performance—A set of easily rec-
this is not possible or acceptable, manual or automatic repeat-
ognized and used symbols and procedures are established.
request (ARQ) is employed. The process of error detection can
They are used to control the errors that may be encountered in
be used to initiate theARQ and therefore the retransmission of
messages, to validate selected parts of messages, and to
the information, such as an additional copy (or copies). The
enhance the interoperability and performance of communica-
copy(ies) may be received error free or with correctable errors
tions personnel and systems. This phonetic system is intended
(especially when compared with previous copy(ies)).
to be directly interoperable with the majority of standard
4.6 Use of Non-standard Systems—This phonetic system is
phonetic systems presently employed, both internationally and
notintendedtoprohibittheuseofnon-standardbrevityorerror
within the United States.
control systems that are used only internally within any single
3.2 Error Control— Error control is accomplished by de-
organization. It also does not preclude the use of additional
tection of the errors and either prompt correction (based on the
methods for clarity.
available information) or a request for another copy (if the
4.7 Use of Standard Systems—This phonetic system is
information is inadequate for error correction).
intended to be directly interoperable with the majority of
4. Significance and Use standard phonetic systems presently employed, both interna-
tionally and within the United States, as noted in references
4.1 Communications Errors and Delays—Communications
(1-9). These standard systems actually exhibit many variations
systems,includingtheirproceduresandchannels,aresubjectto
among themselves. Some provide no procedures, and none
errors due to noise, interference, weak signals, mistakes, and
include all of the symbols presented herein. Of all these known
other causes. They are also subject to delays due to the
documents, this practice is the only one that presents an
necessity to detect and correct these errors. There may also be
explanation of the phonetic system in terms of modern com-
errors and delays due to the lack of trained and experienced
munications technology. To achieve interoperability and per-
operators.
formance through bona fide standardization, system adminis-
4.2 Error Control— Phonetics enables the control of errors
trators should consider this comprehensive practice for
through error detection, and usually prompt correction, for
superseding, or revising, these other standard systems.
words and characters in speech and printed text. It employs an
error correcting system of symbols and procedures that are
5. Procedure
standardized and easily recognized under adverse or high error
communications conditions.
5.1 Phonetic Alphabet:
4.3 Symbol Characteristics—The phonetic alphabet is an
5.1.1 Phonetic Alphabet and Pronunciations—Table 1 pre-
error detecting and correcting code composed of phonetic
sents the phonetic alphabet and the pronunciations used in this
symbols that are carefully selected to have distinctive sounds
practice.
or appearances (or other unique characteristics) that improve
5.1.2 Usage of Phonetic Alphabet—Phonetic alphabet sym-
detection under adverse conditions (such as severe noise or
bols are inserted in text that may be spoken, printed, or
high errors) and enhance differentiation from each other.
otherwise communicated.
4.3.1 Phonetics are inherently language-dependent. For En-
glish text letters, there are 26 phonetic alphabet symbols, that
NOTE 1—Examples of the usage of the phonetic alphabet in spoken and
correspond to the 26 letters (from A to Z) that may be used to printedtextareprovidedinthesectionsbelow.Theword(s)tobevalidated
are in bold for clarity. Phonetic pronunciations are included for speech,
compose the words in a message.Additional symbols are used
with a “pause” as indicated:
for numerals and punctuations.
4.3.2 Phonetic symbols (including an alphabet, numerals,
5.1.2.1 Phonetic Alphabet in Speech—For speech, the pho-
and punctuation) must have unique characteristics as men-
netic alphabet symbols are placed adjacent to the word(s) that
tioned above, and they should not be restricted to only one
are spelled, as follows:
communications media.
(1) Use the word(s) to be spelled;
4.4 Procedures for Error Detection and Correction:
(2)Add“ISPELL”(whichindicatesthestartofphonetics);
4.4.1 Phonetic communications procedures are used to
(3) Spell the word(s) using the phonetic alphabet symbols
minimize or eliminate information errors and to facilitate the
(with a pause between spelled word(s));
correct transmission of messages using trained operators.
(4) Again use the word(s) that were spelled (which
4.4.2 The phonetic procedures are carefully structured to
indicates the end of phonetics);
enable symbol differentiation and error detection based on
simple examination of the received data. Using forward error (5)Returntonormalwordsforthespokentextthatfollows.
F1583 – 95 (2006)
TABLE 1 Phonetic Alphabet and Pronunciations
(4) Add the right parenthesis “)” (which indicates the end
A
Letter Symbol Pronunciation of phonetics);
(5) Return to normal words for the printed text that follow.
A ALFA “AL-fah”
B BRAVO “BRAH-voh”
5.1.2.5 Phonetic Alphabet in Print, Examples:
C CHARLIE “CHAR-lee”
(1) As an example, the phrase
D DELTA “DELL-tah”
E ECHO “ECK-oh” (. land medevac at Jim and Bob Sts. for .)
F FOXTROT “FOKS-trot”
G GOLF “GOLF”
would be printed as follows:
H HOTEL “hoh-TELL”
I INDIA “IN-dee-ah” “ . land medevac at Jim (JULIET INDIA MIKE) and Bob
J JULIET “JEW-lee-ETT”
(BRAVO OSCAR BRAVO) Streets for .”
K KILO “KEY-loh”
In this example, the symbols enable validation or correction
L LIMA “LEE-mah”
M MIKE “MIKE” of the text, even if they are slightly garbled themselves. (Was
N NOVEMBER “no-VEM-ber”
it Jim or Gem or Jem? Was it Bob or Rob or Hob?)
O OSCAR “OSS-cah”
(2) As a continued example, the phrase might have been
P PAPA “pah-PAH”
Q QUEBEC “keh-BECK”
received as follows (with errors “ + ”):
R ROMEO “ROW-me-oh”
“.1+ndmed+v+cat+i+(JUL+E+ + NDIA M + KE)
S SIERRA “see-AIR-rah”
a+d+ob(BR+VO+ SCAR B + AVO) S + reets fo + .”
T TANGO “TANG-go”
U UNIFORM “YOU-nee-form”
Examination of the capitalized phonetic symbols that were
V VICTOR “VIK-tah”
received (even with errors) enable error correction of the
W WHISKEY “WISS-key”
essential words.
X XRAY “ECKS-ray”
Y YANKEE “YANG-key”
5.2 Phonetic Numerals:
Z ZULU “ZOO-loo”
5.2.1 Phonetic Numerals and Pronunciations—Table 2 pre-
A
The pronunciations are in quotes and CAPITAL letters to indicate the verbal
sents the phonetic numerals and the pronunciations that shall
emphasis.
be used in this practice.
5.2.2 Modified Numbers and Sequences—Certain specific
numbers or combinations that are easily misunderstood, such
5.1.2.2 For single letters in speech, such as initials in a
as those ending with “teen” and “ty”, shall not be used. They
name, the phonetic alphabet symbols replace the letter(s) that
shallbemodifiedforclarityandshallbe“spelledout”asdigits,
are spelled, as follows:
as presented in Table 3.
(1) Note and replace (but do not use) the letter(s);
5.2.3 Usage of Phonetic Numerals—Phonetic numeral sym-
(2) Add “INITIALS” (which indicates the start of phonet-
bols are inserted in text that may be spoken, printed, or
ics);
otherwise,andtheymaybemixedwithlettersandpunctuation.
(3) Spell the replaced letter(s) using the phonetic alphabet
Examples of the usage of the phonetic numerals in spoken and
symbols (with a pause between spelled letter(s));
printed text are provided in the sections below. The number(s)
(4) Return to normal name or words (which indicates the
to be clarified or validated are in bold for clarity. Phonetic
end of phonetics) and continue with the spoken text that
pronunciations are included for speech, with a “pause”as
follows.
indicated:
5.1.2.3 Phonetic Alphabet in Speech, Examples:
5.2.3.1 Phonetic Numerals in Speech—For speech, the pho-
(1) As an example, the phrase
netic numeral symbols replace the number(s) that are clarified
(. respond emergency to Xylon St. for a .)
or validated, as follows:
would be spoken as follows:
(1) Note and replace (but do not use) the number(s);
“. respond emergency to Xylon pause I SPELL pause
(2) Add “FIGURES” (which indicates the start of phonet-
ECKS-ray, YANG-key, LEE-mah, OSS-cah, no-VEM-ber
ics);
pause Xylon pause
Street for a .”
(2) As an additional example, the phrase
TABLE 2 Phonetic Numerals and Pronunciations
(. reported sight of D.B. Cooper near .)
A
Letter Symbol Pronunciation
would be spoken as follows:
“.reportedsightof pauseINITIALSDELL-tah pauseBRAH- 0 ZERO “ZEE-roh”
1 ONE “WUN”
voh pause Cooper near .”
2 TWO “TOO”
5.1.2.4 Phonetic Alphabet in Print—For print, the phonetic
3 THREE “TREE”
4 FOUR “FO-wer”
alphabet symbols are placed (as capital letters) within paren-
5 FIVE “fi-YEV”
theses adjacent to the word(s) that are spelled, as follows:
6 SIX “SIKS”
(1) Use the word(s) to be sp
...
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