Jefferson Amateur Radio Club

The Jefferson Amateur Radio Club is dedicated to delivering critical contingency and supplemental emergency/disaster communication infrastructure. Through our network of volunteer FCC licensed operators, we provide management, support, and education to serve our communities within the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area. When all else fails, the Jefferson Amateur Radio Club is there.

For over 50 years, the Jefferson Amateur Radio Club has provided locally and nationally recognized emergency communications through emergency events such as Hurricanes Betsy, Camille, and Ida as well as severe flooding and massive power outages. JARC members actively serve in the greater metro area Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) to coordinate and integrate its emergency contingency communication infrastructure and systems with the EOCs during emergency events. JARC members are qualified through training and FCC certifications to operate as part of the National, State, and Local Incident Command Systems.

Continual improvement is essential for emergency scenario preparation. To ensure that metro-wide infrastructure is operational and radio equipment is in working order, JARC hosts ongoing training nets as well as regularly orchestrates practice drills that simulate a loss of power, internet, or standard phone communications.

If you are interested in becoming a licensed amateur radio operator and serving your community in disaster situations, the Jefferson Amateur Radio Club offers study sessions to help new operators pass their FCC license exams and to help current hams upgrade their qualifications. JARC is one of only fourteen VECs (Volunteer Examiner Coordinators) in the USA authorized by the FCC to electronically submit testing results directly to them. New callsigns and upgrades are posted in the FCC ULS database generally within two or three regular business days after testing. This ensures the fastest possible route for getting your license.

Testimonials

"Exceptional people offering to help anyone decide if ham radio is for them. They even programmed my radio to listen to the repeaters in the area so I could learn by listening."
-John C Corlis

"A great bunch of guys that know their stuff (very professional...classes and presentations they have done in the past were very well done and attended) - they are very active in the ham community."
-Dave Cantrelle

"Great bunch of ham operators that are passionate about amateur radio, and the club is one of only 14 VEC FCC-certified clubs. Did I mention they have top-notch equipment available at the club? They also administered my test in December 2016 and thus began my great 'Hamventure'! 73 y'all from KJ5GUY!"
- Guy Gonzales