IOTA – PROGRAMME RULES

A.1.1 Certificates are issued on presentation of satisfactory evidence of contact with, or, for SWLs, reception of, licensed amateur radio stations operating from numbered IOTA groups listed in the IOTA Directory. Currently, 22 separate certificates are available, graded as follows:

IOTA 100 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 200 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 300 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 400 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 500 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 600 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 700 SLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 800 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 900 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 1000 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA 1100 ISLANDS OF THE WORLD 

IOTA AFRICA

IOTA ANTARCTICA 

IOTA ASIA

IOTA EUROPE

IOTA NORTH AMERICA 

IOTA OCEANIA

IOTA SOUTH AMERICA

IOTA ARCTIC ISLANDS 

IOTA BRITISH ISLES

IOTA WEST INDIES

IOTA WORLD DIPLOMA

A.2.1  The IOTA Plaque of Excellence is available for contacting 750 IOTA groups. It takes the form of an attractively produced walnut wood shield, suitably engraved, with space for 10 metal mini-shields, each signifying a score increment of 25 groups, to upgrade.

A.3.1  The prestigious IOTA Trophy is available for contacting 1000 IOTA groups. It is a beautiful diamond glass feature resting on a highly polished wooden base fitted with a metal plate, suitably engraved. The space in this case is for 8 metal mini-plates to upgrade.

B.1.1 Every island must meet certain basic criteria for acceptance within the IOTA Programme. Specifically, it must be located in the open sea, not a lake or river, must be natural, not man-made, must be demonstrably above water at high tide and must have a recognised island name! There is no minimum island sizerequirement but an island needs to be shown on a 1:1,000,000 scale map and to be separated from the mainland at low tide by a minimum 200 metres of sea measured at the narrowest point. Connection to the mainland by bridge does not invalidate an island so long as the minimum sea separation requirement is met under the bridge as 

well as elsewhere. (Sections E.6 to 8)

B.1.2 All islands valid for IOTA are listed by name in the Directory, either in the IOTA group heading or in brackets following it. In most cases the entry in brackets starts with an ‘=‘ sign. This means that only the islands named currently count and that any other islands that appear to justify inclusion in the list should be referred to IOTA Centre for decision. (Section E.3)

B.2.1  The Directory lists island groups by continent – Africa (AF), Antarctica (AN), Asia (AS), Europe (EU), North America (NA), Oceania (OC) and South America (SA). Within these it highlights those IOTA groups which count for the three regional awards by prefacing the group entry with a distinguishing letter – ‘A’ for Arctic Islands, ‘B’ for British Isles and ‘W’ for West Indies. The geographical boundaries adopted are ones commonly recognised in amateur radio. However the definition of Antarctica is the area south of the Antarctic Convergence Line and that of the Arctic the area which lies north of the tree line, not the Arctic Circle.

B.2.2  Each continental list is divided by country, that is ‘country’ in the commonly understood political sense. Overseas island territories (including self-governing), departments, dependencies or possessions are listed in the appropriate continent under the parent country. The official reference used for determining political status was The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World, 2000 Millennium Edition, published by Times Books, 

London (ISBN 0 72300792 6). Where the atlas was unclear, the island was allocated to the country that was perceived to exercise main administrative control. One exception is the Spratly Islands which, in the absence of a central unitary control, is listed separately. Antarctica, where all territorial claims are in abeyance, is treated as a special case. Islands that are shared  between  countries  are listed  under a joint sovereignty heading. Nothing in the way that an island is listed should be taken to indicate the IOTA Committee’s view as to the legal position on sovereignty.

B.2.3  Depending  on  its  size  and  geography  a  country  may have several IOTA groups. Most of these groups may contain  several,  sometimes  many,  islands,  all  equally valid for that group. Groups consisting of a single island are relatively few and are mainly reserved for ‘large islands’ or ‘remote islands.’ IOTA’s grouping policy (see next paragraph) applies not only to ‘officially recognised island groups’, for example an archipelago, where the practice is not to split, but also to the many ‘unofficial island groups’ created in the interests of completeness to cover a sector of sea. The main categories of islands that have influenced construction of the list – these include a special DXCC category – are detailed in Section E.5.

B.2.4  IOTA relies on an island grouping policy to prevent the total number of IOTA groups becoming unmanageable both for those who wish to work island stations and those who have to administer the programme. The IOTA Committee  has  decided  that  the  IOTA  list  shall  not exceed 1200 groups and has acted to maintain the list within this limit. Consequently, it will not accept for consideration requests for new groups except in circumstances where there has been a DXCC entity change triggering action under paragraph E.5.5.

B.3.1  Each listed IOTA group that has been activated since 15November  1945  has  been  given  an  individual  IOTA reference number, e.g. EU-001 for the Dodecanese, EU-005 for Great Britain and so on. Such numbers are now very much a feature of the amateur radio scene, frequently quoted on the air and printed on QSL cards.

B.3.2  Each IOTA group with a known qualifying island that has yet to be activated is listed with a provisional number e.g. OC-288P. The number is confirmed as soon as a valid operation is judged to have taken place. (Section F)

B.3.3  Each IOTA group that is included in the list with a partial number e.g. AF- is believed to have a qualifying island. Such groups, most of which are in Antarctica, will in due course be issued reference numbers or, if no qualifying islands can be found, will be deleted.

C.1.1  The applicant in this category should be a licensed radio amateur.

C.1.2  If the applicant is an RSGB member, he / she is entitled to a 15% discount on administration and certificate fees on submission of proof of membership in the form of a recent address label from RadCom, the members’ magazine.

C.1.3  The applicant must use the latest available information when preparing an application, i.e. the island listings detailed here in this Directory or on the RSGB IOTA web-site1. Please do not use as your reference an IOTA Directory earlier than IOTA Directory 2000 because of the significant changes to the listings in that year.

C.2.1  The IOTA 100 Islands of the World is the basic award and the place to start. This requires proof of contact with at  least  100  IOTA  groups  with  different  reference numbers in the Directory. At least one contact must be with each of the 7 continents. See Appendix to Rules.

C.2.2  The IOTA 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 and  1100  Islands  awards  are  for  that  number  of confirmed contacts.

C.2.3 Each continental award is for contacting 75% of the confirmed numbered IOTA groups in that continent or, alternatively, 75 IOTA groups whichever is the less. This means that in the case of the IOTA Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania awards the requirement is 75 groups. If, for the other awards, the qualifying percentage  figure  works  out  as  a  fractional  number, round the fraction down to the nearest whole number.

C.2.4  The IOTA Arctic Islands, British Isles and West Indies awards are for contacting 75% of the confirmed numbered IOTA groups in those areas. This means that for the three awards the requirement is 75, 21 and 42 groups respectively. The groups that count for each award are marked by an ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘W’ as appropriate on the continental pages.

C.2.5  The IOTA World Diploma is for contacting, in each of the 7  continents,  50%  of  the  confirmed  numbered  IOTA groups or, alternatively, 50 IOTA groups, whichever is the less. Round the fraction down if necessary (see paragraph C.2.3).

C.2.6  The IOTA Plaque of Excellence is for contacting at least 750 numbered IOTA groups. Shields for attachment to the Plaque are available for contacting 775, 800, 825, 850, 875, 900, 925, 950 and 975 IOTA groups.

C.2.7  The IOTA 1000 Islands Trophy is for contacting at least 1000 numbered IOTA groups. Mini-plates for attachment to the Trophy base are available for contacting 1025, 1050, 1075, 1100, 1125, 1150, 1175 and 1200 IOTA groups.

C.2.8  Remember, only one confirmed contact counts for credit for each IOTA group. QSL cards from different islands with the same reference number do not count separately.

C.2.9  Some of the above provisions have been varied for the VHF / UHF category of application – see Section C.8.

C.3.1  All contacts must be made personally by the applicant, using an amateur radio call-sign issued personally to him / her by the licensing authority. IOTA Centre may ask to see proof of licence. For requirements governing the use of  more  than  one  currently  valid  call-sign  to  feed  a record, see Appendix to Rules.

C.3.2  All contacts must be made from the same DXCC entity and from a land-based location. The location shall be defined as the location of the operator. Contacts made while operating land mobile are accepted.

C.3.3  All contacts must be made with other licensed amateur stations and in accordance with licence conditions.

C.3.4  All contacts must have taken place since 15 November 1945.

C.3.5  Contacts may be made on any amateur radio frequency band licensed to  the applicant  and  his contact.  IOTA Centre may ask to see proof of licence.

C.3.6 Contacts with maritime mobile stations near islands, whether or not they operate with a /MM call-sign, will not be accepted. This applies also to stations on board boat in harbour, including tied up to dockside, or anchored close to shore. Contacts made using an HF, VHF, UHF or Internet link from a land- to a sea-based station or from a sea- to a land-based station to enhance signal transmission or reception will not count.

C.3.7  Exceptionally, in a force majeure situation, occasioned by poor weather or sea conditions or personal injury sustained in attempting a landing or serious risk of one, contacts, valid for IOTA, may be made from a station on board a boat lying within 100 yards of the island if an essential part of the station, namely the transmitter, receiver, transceiver, antenna or power supply in use, are on shore and physically wire-linked to the boat. In such an eventuality proof will always be required from the operator before credit is allowed and must show that such operation was not determined by operator con- venience or the need to circumvent national or local government constraints on landing or operating. Section F procedure applies.

C.3.8   Contacts made using a single remote receiving or transmitting site are permitted if the site is land-based, is contained within a 500 metre (0.31 statute miles) radius circle and is not located more than 50 kilometres (31 statute miles) from the operator’s location, and the control system relies on radio for all linkage (i.e no internet or non-radio links). The operator and the remote site must be located within the same DXCC entity. IOTA qualification shall be determined by the location of the station operator and the transmitter – to count they need both to be on one or, if a remote transmitter, a maximum two qualifying islands for the same IOTA group. They will not count if either is on the mainland. Use of multiple remote sites or a network using multiple sites is not permitted.

C.3.9   Credit will be given for contacts made entirely on a single mode of transmission or on a combination of modes. Certificate endorsements for single mode and / or single band transmission may be made on the submission of cards clearly confirming the mode or frequency, but the request must be made at the time of the first submission. Only one record is ma intained per applicant, so, if he / she chooses a particular mode or band, updates will only be accepted on the same basis.

C.3.10 Credit  will not be given  for cross-mode, cross-band  or repeater- or satellite-aided contacts.

C.3.11 Some of the above provisions have been varied for the Club  and  VHF /  UHF  categories  of  application  – see Sections C.7 and C.8.

C.4.1  QSL   cards   submitted   must   confirm   two-way   radio contact and specify the date, time, band and mode used.

C.4.2  QSL cards submitted must have printed on them both the call-sign and the name of the island from which the operation took place. The latter must be an island mentioned as qualifying for that IOTA group in the island listings  available in the latest IOTA Directory or on the RSGB IOTA web-site. The IOTA group name and IOTA reference   number   are   not   acceptable   alternatives although it is desirable that they also appear on the card, nor are geographic co-ordinates, a grid locator square or a lighthouse  or castle  name.  The  name  of the  island should  not have been  handwritten,  nor should it have been added in a way that makes ambiguous the location of the station at the time of contact.

Note 1:   A  card  mentioning  the  name  of an  ‘officially recognised island group’, for example the Balearics, but not  the  name  of  the  exact  island  from  which  the operation  took  place,  will  be  accepted  but  only  if  all islands in the group are known to meet the IOTA qualification requirements and there is only one possible reference number for which the group can qualify.

Note 2:   A ca rd mentioning an unlisted small island, islet or rock which is a satellite of a larger listed isla nd will be accepted if it meets IOTA qualification requirements with the possible exception of paragraph E.6.4 in its own right and  the  name  of  the  parent  island  is also  mentioned prominently  on the  card.  The  term  ‘satellite’  is  to  be construed as a small island lying within 200 metres of a larger listed island.

Note 3:   A card mentioning an island with an u nofficial or obviously fabricated name will not be accepted unless its exact location is clear from other info rmation on the card and the island belongs to an ‘officially recognised island group’, all islands of which are known to meet the IOTA qualification  requirements  and  the re  is  only one possible  reference  number  for  which  the  gro up  can qualify.

C.4.3  QSL cards  for operations prior  to 1 Januar y 2001.

Checkpoints have some  discretion  to  accept  cards  for operations  prior  to  1 January  2001  that  fall  sh ort  of meeting  the  requirements  of  paragra ph  C.4.2  above where  the  operation is known to them.  This discretion extends, for e xamp le, to accepting a card that mentions, instead of the island, the name of a town or city on the island or, in the case of Antarctica, the name of a recognised   research base. It does not extend   to accepting a card that mentio ns an unlisted island or just a reference number.

C.4.4  Wherever possible, submit QSL cards that are likely to cause least problems for your Checkpoint. Cards from recent  operations  are  more  easily  processed than  old cards from several decades ago. Clean cards, with the island  name  and  IOTA  reference  number  prominently displayed in large print, are likely to be the most welcome while cards that are ‘messy’ or very likely not to meet the requirements are the least welcome – in fact the latter should not be submitted at all. Checkpoints do the job voluntarily, so they do deserve your consideration.

C.4.5  Photocopies of QSL cards and electronic cards (eQSLs) are not acceptable for credit.

C.4.6  A warning note, do not amend a QSL card in any way, however justified you believe you r action to be to rectify an omission or error made by the writer. This could lead to rejection of a card which otherwise might have been accep ted,  or,  where  deception  is  suspected,  to  your disqualification from the award programme.

The current Directory includes a comp rehensive list of qualifying islands for most IOTA gro ups. This enab les DXpeditioners  and  chasers  to check  which  islands count  for IOTA,  thereby saving  time and  effort and possibly expense  and disappointment.  Requests for the  addition  of an  island  to the  list,  supported  b y information  on its exact location,  may be  made  to IOTA Centre at any time but such cases may be held over for a twice-yearly review, in April and October, particularly if the IOTA group concerned already ha s a large number of qualifying islands.

With regard to the tightene d require ments for QSL cards  for  operations  from  1  Ja nuary  2001  –  the Committee decided in ye ar 2 000 that cards submitted should achieve a minimum standard of content and format allowing processing without the need to refer to atlases, maps and other data or reference to IOTA Centre  for  a  decision.  Hence  our  insistence  that cards  must have  printed  on them the n ame of the island from which the operation took place and that this must be an island listed in the latest IOTA Directory. The decision not to accept cards that have the island name handwritten stems from the practical difficulties  of  

operating  a  decentralised  system  of card-checking where decisions can vary according to individual  people’s  judgement  on  the  accuracy  o r origin of such annotations and from the Committee’s view in principle that neither Checkpoints nor IOTA Centre should be put in a position of having to make such judgements. Island  operators   are  regularly advised of the alternatives to getting cards specially printed  (the  preferred  solution)  –  they  can  have existing cards overprinted  or rubber-stamped individually   with  the  island  name  and  additional wo rding to  remove ambig uity, or they can print the island name on their computerised QSL labels.

National   Island   Award   Managers   may   wish   to consider the implications of this for their programmes. Some  have  already established  in agreement  with the IOTA Committee a look-up facility on their web- site  where  it is possible to check  the  official IOTA status of their programme’s small islands. Where this is done, a n ote is added to the Directory island listing indicating that the web-site information is to be regarded as an 

official extension of the Directory.

Date              Time        Call-sign               IOTA Ref           Island Name       Frequency           Mode

(DDMMYY) (UTC)     (as given)             (by continent)     (from QSL)        Band (MHz)  (CW/PH/DATA)

070207          2229        3B9/G3TXF           AF-017             Rodrigues             10                 CW

160107          1153        VU7MY/VU2RBI  AS-106             Minicoy                21                  PH

251106          1628        HK0GU                 NA-049            Providencia           14                  CW

280499          1917        VK9NS                  OC-005           Norfolk                 1.8                 CW

200302          0706        XR0X                    SA-013             San Felix               7.0                 PH

C.4.7 Applicants should realise that on occasions Check- points will have no option but to reject a card pending the receipt of more information about the operation concerned. In such a case a letter from the island op- erator may provide the only acceptable solution – it will normally be for the applicant to obtain this. On other occasions also Checkpoints may need to withhold credit on instructions from IOTA Centre for reasons that will be explained. Applicants’ cooperation and un- derstanding are requested at all times.

C.5.1 If you have not already done so, go to the RSGB IOTA web-site and register to obtain a password, following the instructions given there. This opens up the ‘My Credits’ module that allows you to see any record you already have and, when you are ready, to build a new application, using a web-form provided. The on-line system will calculate the fee payable. See Annex C for more information.

C.5.2 If you choose to submit your application on paper (we really hope you will go on-line), follow the rules below and in this case you will need to complete Parts 1 and 2 of Application Form for Paper Submission at Annex D.

C.5.3 Start with the basic IOTA 100 Islands of the World award.

It is best to send a minimum of 120 cards in case any are rejected. There is no upper limit – the extras will be credited to the score on your on-line record. Include at least one QSL from all 7 continents.

C.5.4 Arrange the cards numerically by IOTA reference number and by continent in the following order: AF–AN– AS–EU–NA–OC–SA. Use the Short Title IOTA Refer- ence Number List at Annex F to get it right – it will save a lot of time.

C.5.5 If you are submitting a paper application, list the call- signs in this same order on Part 2 of the Application Form at Annex D. For each QSO type or print clearly the date, time (UTC), call-sign, IOTA Ref, island name taken from the QSL, frequency band (MHz) and mode (CW / phone / data) – see the examples at the top of the page. If you prefer to submit your own computer pro- duced listing, you may do so.

C.5.6 List all call-signs in exactly the form shown on the QSL card – include /A, /P or /xxx as appropriate, and in par- ticular do not change call-sign/xxx into xxx/call-sign.

C.5.7 Check your application before despatch for call-sign, island name and other data errors. It may be subject to a higher administration charge if it contains more than 10% careless errors that involve checkpoints or IOTA Centre in corrective work. In a worst case scenario the application will be rejected.

C.5.8 Do not include ‘doubtful’ cards where you, yourself, are unsure what group they belong to as this can delay processing of your application. Please try to find out the answers yourself by checking a good atlas or map or by searching Google or Google Earth.

C.5.9  When ready, send your application to your Checkpoint electronically. In the case of a paper application, send by post, first checking that it includes a completed and signed Application Form. In both cases send the QSL cards and appropriate fees, not forgetting return postage for the cards. See Annex B for a schedule of charges.

C.5.10 You will be able to access your record on the Central IOTA Database on-line at any time. If you submit on paper, keep your own record of credits gained. On your initial application for the IOTA 100 Islands certifi- cate you will receive free of charge a paper Record Sheet showing the credits listed on the Central IOTA Database. Subsequent Record Sheets are available on request but attract a small charge. See Annex B.

Use of the on-line facility on the RSGB IOTA web-site has the advantages of  saving you time by simplifying the application process as well as your own IOTA record-keeping,

•     entitling you to a significantly lower administration fee, compared with a paper application,

•     calculating the fee for you, including conversions into dollars and euros, if required,

•     advising you on screen of valid islands without the need to check the Directory,

•     enabling you to claim credit for islands worked in the IOTA Contest without the need to obtain QSL cards,

•     providing an exact copy of your record on the Central IOTA Database,

•     learning about problem cards much sooner than has been possible in the past,

•     allowing you to build your next claim on-line as IOTA QSLs come in,

•     having certificates sent electronically to you, if you wish, so that you can print them on parchment of your choice,
•     endearing you to your Checkpoint by hugely easing his/ her task, and

•     offering the same advantages on each subsequent occasion.

C.6.1 You are encouraged to grow your IOTA score. The IOTA Programme offers an exciting operating challenge, combined with opportunities to obtain a range of at- tractive certificates and to enjoy, if you wish, a degree of friendly competition with fellow island chasers.

C.6.2 You may update your record whenever you wish – there is no limit on the number of times per year. However, the system will not allow you to update at a time when a previous application or update is still being proc- essed. Once you have pressed the key sending the submission, it’s closed. Do not attempt to get your 

Checkpoint to add in manually late cards just received.

C.6.3  You  should prepare  your  update  in the same  way as when applying for the IOTA 100 Islands certificate. Yo u may claim as many or as few credits as you wish but bear in mind that there is a minimum update charge.

C.6.4  When  submitting your  application,  let your  Che ckpoint know of any awards requested – these are not provided automatically – and enclose the correct fees and return postage with your cards.

C.6.5  If you submit on paper, retain a copy of your update to amend your  own record when  you receive  notificatio n that your cards have been credited to your score. See Annex B for the fee for an updated Record Sheet.

C.7.1  The club category of application caters for the growing interest in the IOTA Programme by clubs, DX teams and multi-operator groups. Th e ann ual IOTA Contest with its huge success has done much to introduce hundreds of contesters to IOTA and with the ever-increasing number of IOTA team operations the time was right to respond to this enthusiasm by making the full range of IOTA awards available on a non-personal basis.

C.7.2  Applicants should regard general IOTA rules as applying but with the following variation:

• The applicant need not be a lice nsed radio amateur but should be able to provide evidence of authority to represent the club / group, for example by holding the position   of  secretary,   awards   manager   or   team leader. (C.1.1)

• Contacts need not be made by the applicant.  They should however be made by licensed amateurs wh o are members of the club / group at the time. (C.3.1)

• The call-sign used must be one issued to the club / group. All IOTA con tacts made with that call-sign will normally be allowed to accrue for credit. (C.3.1 )

• Where a club / group wishes to grow an IOTA score from a combination of call-signs, it must provide evidence that each call-sign was clearly issued to it – copies of licences should be submitted on each occasion.   A  club  /  group  call-sign   may  not   be combined with a call-sign issued personally to a club member. (C.3.1)

Note that all co ntacts need to be made from the sameDXCC entity.

C.7.3  Clubs / groups are asked to keep their compliance with these provisions as transparent as possible. Checkpoints will not be able to engage in detailed correspondence.

C.8.1  The IOTA Committee decided in early 2000 to respond to popular demand and open up the IOTA Programme  to VHF / UHF enthusia sts by making available the full rang e of certificates,  albeit  with  lower  qualification levels,  for VHF / UHF only contacts.

C.8.2  Applicants should reg ard general IOTA rules as applying but with the following variation:

• All contacts must be made on the 50MHz  and / or higher frequency bands. (C.3.5)

• The Committee will nee d to be satisfied that contacts were made with stations properly licensed at the time and may withhold credit if in doub t. (C.3.3)

• For the 100 Islands  certificate at least  one  contact should be made with each of 5 continents. (C.2.1)

• Each continental  award is for contacting 50% of the confirmed  numbered IOTA groups in that continent or,  alternatively,  50  IOTA  groups  whichever  is the less. (C.2.3)

• The IOTA Arctic Islands, British Isles and West Indies awards are for contacting 50% of the confirmed numbered IOTA groups in those areas. (C.2.4)

• The  Plaque of Excellence  is for contacting at least300 numbered IOTA groups. Shields for attachment to the Plaque are available for contacting 325, 350, 375 etc IOTA grou ps. (C.2.6 )

• Given that the VHF / UHF community is less aware of IOTA rules about printed island names on QSL cards, the  discretion  on acceptance  given  Checkpoints  in C.4.3 will be extended to VHF / UHF cards without any restriction  as to  date of contact.  Location indi- cators such as geographic co-ordinates and grid 

locators  will  be  factors  taken  into  account.  This decision  will  be  reviewed  every  five  years  starting

2014.Attention is drawn to the fact th at credit will not be given for contacts made with the aid of a repeater or satellite or other artificial means. (C.3.10 )

C.8.3  A participant may run one entry in each of the HF and VHF / UHF categories. Each has its own separate award numbering system.

C.9.1  Applicants should regard general IOTA rules as applying but with the following variation:

• The applicant sho uld be an SWL holding a standard SWL number from a national or international amateur radio society which he / she uses when sending an SWL  report.  If  the  applicant  is,  or  subsequ ently becomes, a licensed radio amateur, he / she should submit cards made out to the SWL number, and not to the amateur radio call-sign (such cards will not be accepted). (C.1.1)

• The term ‘two-way radio contact’ should be read as ‘two-way radio contacts hea rd personally’. (C.4.1)

• Each outgoing SWL report should list at least two and preferably three QSOs heard.

• QSL cards  submitted for credit should list the call- sign and contact details of at least one and preferably two QSOs. Island stations are asked to note these requirements  when  replying  to  SWL  reports.  If an SWL submits a card that fails to give the call-sign of the station reported in QSO, he / she should provide a separate note of this information to the Checkpoint.

C.9.2  The IOTA Committee re gards maintenance of the overall integrity  of  the  IOTA  Prog ramme  as  being  of primary importance. It reserves the right to deny credit for a card submitted   where   it   is   known   from   well-equipped amateurs  in the area  that the IOTA station con cerned was not  being  received  with  intelligible  signals  at  the time.  It  will  not  hesitate  to  ta ke  similar  action  if  a Checkpoint  reports  over-frequent  mention  on  cards  of one   particular call-sign or  that a search on   DX PacketCluster™ or other Internet sources reveals a high degree of matching details suggesting irregular practice.

D.1.1 The Honour Roll is a list of the call-signs of stations with a checked score equalling or exceeding 50% of the total confirmed numbered groups at the time of preparation. It is published in spring on the official RSGB IOTA web-site.

D.2    THE ANNUAL LISTING

D.2.1 The Annual Listing is a list of the call-signs of stations with a checked score of 100 or more IOTA groups but less than the qualifying threshold for entry into the Honour Roll.

D.3.1 The Club Listing is a list of the call-signs of club or multi-operator stations with a checked score of 100 or more IOTA groups.

D.4.1 The SWL Listing is a list of SWLs with a checked score of 100 or more IOTA groups.

D.5.1 The VHF / UHF Listing is a list of the call-signs of stations with a checked score of 100 or more IOTA groups on the VHF / UHF bands.

D.6.1 Except as specified below, the same call-sign may not feature in more than one listing or more than once in the same listing. In the case of applicants for VHF / UHF awards an additional entry in that listing is allowed.

D.6.2 Call-signs will not be annotated with mode, band or power endorsements.

D.6.3 Where a station has not updated for 5 years or more, his / her score will not be published in the annual performance listings.

D.6.4 The listings are intended to be statements of personal performance. The IOTA Committee wishes it to be known that it will transfer a call-sign from the Honour Roll or Annual Listing to the Club Listing if it is satisfied that the licensee has breached this intent by allowing other operators to make contacts on his / her behalf. This applies even where the licence conditions allow such operation.

D.7.1 Your score on the Central IOTA Database will be included automatically in the appropriate listing unless you have asked for it to be excluded.

D.7.2 The last date for submitting an update electronically to your Checkpoint to influence your score in the current year’s listing is 31 January. This is also the last date for mailing cards and paper submissions. Those postmarked after that date will be processed in the normal way but the scores will be held over to the following year’s listing.

D.7.3 If you remain active in IOTA, you are encouraged to update at least once every three years. This gives the listings greater relevance and helps to maintain the interest of other participants in their comparative positions. However, your record is maintained on the computer system and will remain there for updating whenever you choose to make a further submission.

E.1.1 The Directory list has been capped at 1200 IOTA groups. The IOTA Committee will not consider further additions, with the rare exception of the occasional new island DXCC entity group that might qualify under the rules for separate listing. Please, therefore, do not ask for new groups to be added. If you do, the 

standard answer you will get is “Sorry, no”!

E.1.2  The IOTA Committee has decided, as part of its strategic planning, to review the island list every five years. The next such occasion will be in 2014 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of IOTA’s launch. It is expected that any changes made will be very small.

E.2.1  The IOTA Committee will consider at any time a request for confirmation of an IOTA reference number listed as provisional for a group that has been activated. This request may come from the DXpeditioner responsible for the operation or a resident amateur or from an island chaser. Before agreeing the request the Committee will need to be satisfied that the island qualifies under the rules for island qualification (see Sections E.6 and E.7) and that the operation has met the requirement of a minimum number of contacts (see paragraph E.2.3) and has properly validated (see Section F).

E.2.2 The Committee may have no option but to delay confirmation of a provisional reference number if the operation is one about which it has received insufficient information and validation. This causes disappointment all round. To ensure a full understanding of programme requirements, particularly on validation, DXpeditioners are advised to alert the IOTA Manager well in advance of the operation, giving full information on the island to be activated, dates, operators and means of transportation. And, of course, most importantly, if the island is by chance not listed in the current Directory, this is the time to check that it will qualify for the specified group. Please note that, in the case of islands lying less than one kilometre from the mainland, the Committee will need to see a detailed marine map before giving a decision – this will be returned on request if postage is provided. Taking this action will enable DXpeditioners to post a note in advance publicity that the operation is a New One For IOTA.

E.2.3  The IOTA Committee requires an operation to make a minimum 1000 contacts with different stations in five continents before it can consider confirming a provisional reference number on submission of validation. This is by way of recognition that new IOTA groups added to the list can affect the threshold figure for awards. In rare cases the Committee may find it necessary to ask for a letter from the operator detailing the scale of the activity.

E.2.4  The Committee may decide to withhold confirmation of a provisional number where an operator by his / her behaviour has created doubts about the seriousness of attitude to the making of contacts, log-keeping, the provision of validation or QSLing. In particular, poor or erratic QSLing of a previous operation will be 

regarded as adequate justification for such action as will selective or discriminatory QSLing or a QSLing policy involving unacceptable  financial  terms,  or  the  threat  of  one  ormore of these. Such action would be taken sparingly and only on the decision of the full IOTA Committee after the operator had been give n an opportunity to state his / h er case.

E.2.5  Regular  status reports  on recently confirmed reference numbers are given on the RSGB IOTA web-site and the IOTA Manager’s web-site1.

E.2.6  DXpeditioners p lanning activity from any IOTA group that is included  in the  list with  a partial  number  e.g.  AF-, should at an early stag e con tact the IOTA Manager with details of the island to be visited to establish IOTA status.

E.3.1  The current  Directory  includes  a compreh ensive  list of qualifying islands for most IOTA groups. The occasions when it will be necessary to seek confirmation  from the IOTA Committee that an island qualifies for a numbered group should be very few. However, such action will still be required from time to time, particularly in the case of groups that are not shown in the Directory with a full list of qualifying  islands.  The Committee  remains ready to consider such cases but see E.3.3 below.

E.3.2  A request may come from a DXpeditioner or a resident amateur  or an island  chaser either  before  or after  an operation. In order to be able to reply the Committee will need to be satisfied, on the b asis of evidence provided or available to it, that the island qualifies under the rules for island qualification (see Sections E.6 and E.7). As a first step go to Google Earth2 , identify the island and note its exact co-ordinates and then e-mail this information to the IOTA Manager3.  If Google Earth does n ot mention the island  by  name,  you  will  need  to  send  evidence to confirm the name as well. In the  case of islands  lying less   than   one   kilometre   from   the   mainland,   the Committee  may  need  to see  a  detailed  marine  map before giving a decision – this will be returned on request if  postage  is  provided.  Checking   in  advance  of  an operation that an island will qualify  will remove doubts and possibly prevent disappointment.

E.3.3.  As all islands listed as qualifyin g for an IOTA group count the same for the pu rposes of the IOTA Progra mme, there is no special advantage for the IOTA chaser in a DXped- itioner’s  activating one island  rather than another.  The Directory lists more than 15,000 islands and most groups have ample qualifying islands. The processing  of every request for an addition to the list takes valuable time, and this is becoming increasingly difficult to justify in cases where the IOTA group already has numerous qualifiers. The Committee will continue to process deserving cases but will now institute a practice of normally holding over requests  to add  islands  to groups  with  more  than  25 qualifiers to a twice-yearly review, in April and October. Folk hiring a holiday or contest even t cottage should note and act in good time but first consider whe ther  or not 

going to a listed isla nd is just as good.

E.4.1  The main work on the construction of the islan d list was carried out in 1990 / 91. The reference atlases used were: the National Geographic Atlas of the World (Fifth & Sixth  Editions) and The Times Atlas of the World (Eighth Edition).  In  addition,  considerable  help  was  obtained from  Lee  S  Motteler’s  excellent  book  Pacific  Island Name s,   published   by   the   Bishop   Museum   Press, Honolulu,  19 86, as  well  as from  a selection  of maps made available by friends.

E.4.2  The 1999 / 2000 review included a root and branch examination of the island list. The IOTA Programme had moved on since 1990. A more precise definition of IOTA group b oundaries and a fuller listing of qualifying islands were both required. Also, with the passage of time, IOTA group names and coverage needed to be updated and adjusted to reflect latest geographical and political information. The reference atlas used for the latter task was The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World, 2000 Millennium Edition, published by Times Books, London (ISBN 0 7230 0792 6).

E.4.3   The main source of reference fo r compiling the lists of qualifying islands was the Cambridge University Library, the holder of one of the two most comprehensive collections of maps in England open to the public. The material  use d  included  British  Admiralty   Charts  and Pilots, recognised World Series 1:1,000,000 maps, ONC 1:1,000,000  and  TPC  1:500,000,   US  ‘Quad’   Series 1:24,000,  NOAA  1:40,000,   Canadian   Department of Mines    and    Resources    Map    Series    1:1,000,000, 1:250 ,000 & 1:50,000, Russian World Series 1:200,000, Swedish Hydrographic  Department  WGS-84  1:50,000, Finnish Merenkulkulaitos  Sjofartsverket WSOY 1:50,000, Croatian Hydrographic  Institute 1:100,000, French IGN, Cartographie  Caraibe  (F.W.I)  and  an  extensive assortment of national maps. Use was also made of sources of mapping information available on the Internet, including Google Earth.

E.5      THE MAIN CATEGORIES OF GROUP RECOGNISED
E.5.1   The  Directory  lists the  IOTA  groups  by continent  and country.  For  further  information,  see  List  Structure  at Section  B.2.  The  main  categories  of  island  /  group recognized  in the  construction  of  the  list are  detailed below.  The Committee  makes  it known  that it will  not consider,  except  in  the  case  of  new  DXCC  entity changes triggering   action   u nder   paragraph   E.5.5, requests for new groups or chan ges in group coverage justified in the  terms  of these defined  categories  (see paragraph E.1.2).

E.5.2   ‘Officially recognised island gro up’ – defined as a group shown  and  named  as th e ‘………  Isles’  or  ‘Islands’  in English  or the local  language  in one of  the  reference atlase s. Although most such groups are separately listed, a number of really tiny o nes have been included in wider groupings  in the  interests  of keeping  the  IOTA  group ‘to tal’ with in bounds.

E.5.3   ‘Remote island group’ – defined as a group of one or more islands named in the reference atlas which lie more than 16 1 kilometres (100 statute miles) at low tide from the  o fficially  recognised  island  group  to  which  they belong.

E.5.4   ‘Unofficial  island  group ’  –  defined  as  a  grouping  of islands which do not belong to an officially recognised island group but nevertheless exist and are listed in the Directory with an unofficial name . This category applies particularly to islands in a sector of coast that have beengrouped for political or administrative reasons or for reasons of convenience. It applies also to small islands that are close to a named larger island and do not justify a separate listing in their own right.

E.5.5  ‘Island DXCC entity group’ – defined as a DXCC entity on the ‘current’ list which consists entirely of an island or several islands. Others may be added in line with future DXCC changes. Such an island may be allocated a new reference number so long as its existing IOTA group remains viable, i.e. has other valid islands, after its detachment. An island that qualifies for separate listing only because it is a DXCC entity will have a start and / or deletion date for credit in line with DXCC decisions. In the event of an island DXCC entity group being deleted, the IOTA group number will be archived and score credits will normally be moved on request to the IOTA group to which the island or islands are transferred.

E.5.6  ‘Large island’ – defined as an island with a size of 65,000 square kilometres (25,000 square miles) or more. The Directory lists some 28 such islands, and almost all have separate coastal island groups, the largest having several.

E.5.7  ‘Split sovereignty island’ – defined as an island that is split between two or more DXCC entities. The Directory lists some 13 of these, for example Borneo (Brunei / East Malaysia / Indonesia), Great Britain (England / Scotland / Wales) and Hispaniola (Haiti / Dominican Republic). Each split sovereignty island counts for one credit only. However the coastal islands of almost all of them count separately (for one or more IOTA groups) on the grounds that they are not ‘split sovereignty’ like the main island.

E.5.8  ‘Other single island’ – defined as a single island which cannot be grouped easily with other islands.

E.6.1  The common definition of an island is a piece of land, whether earth, sand, stone or rock, which at some point of the day is surrounded by water, either fresh or sea. At its widest this could include sand-bars, mud-flats, shingle or rocks submerged for all but a few hours of the day, land separated from the mainland by a skip and a jump (just a few metres of water), land joined to the mainland for part or most of the day and land located in rivers, lakes, inland seas and largely enclosed bays. The RSGB has taken the view that an award programme for island contacts based on such a wide definition of what const- itutes an island would be 

impossible to manage and that a narrower definition should be adopted.

E.6.2  In an attempt to find a generally accepted standard the IOTA Committee has considered making qualification dependent on the inclusion of ‘island’ (in whatever language) in the island name as shown on a map. This unfortunately has proved   an unsatisfactory solution because of inconsistencies between different atlases and maps – too often a small island is called an ‘island’ on one map and ‘islet’, ‘atoll’, ‘cay’, ‘rocks’, ‘reef’ or ‘The ……..’ on a second. Furthermore in some countries the practice is to use the term ‘island’ to describe any land surrounded by water irrespective of size while in others a variety of different terms are used indicating something less than an island. In the circumstances the Committee has decided to set its own qualification criteria. It considers that these are fair and reasonable in a difficult situation and are more likely to enhance the integrity of the programme.

E.6.3  The first requirement for an island (atoll, cay, etc) is that it has an official name. It will then qualify for an existing numbered group if it meets two basic rules – the so- called 1:1,000,000 rule and the 200 metres rule – and does not fall into one of the categories of islands specified as not qualifying at Section E.7 below. Where reference is made to ‘low tide’, this is defined as ‘mean low tide’. If, in the absence of a suitable marine map showing mean low tide, a map showing mean lowest low tide or similar datum is available, this will normally be used to decide qualification.

E.6.4  FIRST RULE – The island must be shown on a map with a scale of at least 1:1,000,000 (10 kilometres to 1 centimetre or 16 statute miles to 1 inch).

E.6.5  If the island is mentioned by name in the Directory, it may be assumed to meet this rule and no action is required. In all other cases the IOTA Committee will need to see evidence of compliance. Any national or international map – but not a local tourist or special interest map – may be used to confirm this requirement. If the island is shown and named, it will be necessary only to send a copy of the map (make sure you include the scale). If the island is shown but not named, please send the original, together with a second map of larger scale showing the island’s name. Maps will be returned on request if postage is enclosed.

E.6.6  If no 1:1,000,000 scale map can be found, the island may still count if evidence is produced to show that:
•  it consists of a single unbroken piece of land longer than 1 kilometre (0.62 statute miles) measured by straight line at high tide, or

•  it is within an ‘officially recognised island group’, defined in paragraph E.5.2 above, or

•  it is separated from the nearest part of the mainland by an island which qualifies, or

•  it is closer to an island which qualifies than to the mainland.
In all cases the IOTA Committee will require to see a large-scale map (e.g. 1:50,000) as evidence. If you send a copy, make sure that the scale is visible. Maps will be returned on request if postage is enclosed.

E.6.7  SECOND RULE — The island must be separated from the mainland at all points by a minimum 200 meters (219 yards) of sea at low tide. This may consist of one stretch of 200 metres or of up to three smaller stretches added together. See Fig 1.

E.6.9  An island that lies more than 1 kilometre (0.62 statute miles) from the mainland but fails to meet the 200 meter requirement because it is linked or nearly linked to the mainland at low tide, but not at high tide, by a sand-bar, Fig 1.stretch of shingle, rocks or mud-flats, may still count. Intervening islands could adversely affect the decision.

E.6.10 An island that is separated from the mainland by a minimum 200 metres (219 yards) of sea at low tide except for an area lying more than 1 kilometre (0.62 statute miles) from the mainland that is linked or nearly linked to it at low tide, but not at high tide, by a sand-bar, stretch of shingle, rocks or mud-flats, may still count. Intervening islands could adversely affect the decision.

In all cases the IOTA Committee will require to see a arge-scale marine map (e.g. 1:50,000) as evidence. If you send a copy, make sure that the scale is visible. Maps will be returned on request if postage is enclosed.

E.7.1  The following types of island do not qualify:

•  Islands that fail to meet the qualification criteria under Sections E.6 above and E.8 below,

•  Islands totally submerged by water for part of a day,

•  Islands that are entirely man-made or are islands only by reason of a man-made canal,

•  Islands located in and surrounded on all sides by a permanent ice shelf, and

•  Islands located in rivers, lakes or inland seas that are totally enclosed.

E.7.2  In addition, islands do not count that are located in largely enclosed bays or gulfs, where the distance between the two mainland shores at any point between the island and the open sea measures less than 5 kilometres (3.1 statute miles). The IOTA Committee will take a view on the extent to which the coastline indent- ation made by a bay can be described as largely enclosed. See Fig 2.

E.8     EFFECT OF DEVELOPMENT ON ISLAND QUALIFICATION 
E.8.1  Bridges – an island linked to the mainland by bridge will qualify so long as it meets the qualification criteria at Section E.6 above (the minimum sea separation requirement must be met under the bridge as well as elsewhere).

E.8.2 Man-made Causeways – there are two types of causeway island which qualify. With both, the island in question must meet the 1:1,000,000 rule (see paragraphs E.6.4 to 6 above) and have a name which indicates that it is historically recognised as an island.

•  An island separated from the mainland by more than 1 kilometre (0.62 statute miles) but linked by a man- made causeway, whether or not above water at high tide, may qualify.

•  An island separated from the mainland by more than 0.5 kilometres (0.31 statute miles) but less than 1 kilometre (0.62 statute miles) and linked by a man- made causeway and bridge through which water flows at all times, may qualify if it is separated at all other points by a minimum 200 metres (219 yards) of sea at low tide.

All requests, accompanied by a detailed marine map, should be referred to the IOTA Committee. The latter is unlikely to approve a request where the width of the causeway exceeds the bare minimum required for a road

/ motorway and / or railway.

E.8.3  Lighthouses, Lights, Forts, etc – an ‘island’ consisting entirely of a lighthouse, light, fort or similar man-made structure may qualify if it meets the qualification criteria at Section E.6 above and evidence, photographic or otherwise, is produced to the IOTA Committee to show that some part of the original natural island remains above water at high tide.

E.8.4  Other Development – if an island has been reshaped, for example enlarged, by act of man, it may qualify subject to the development not affecting the island’s qualification status under the criteria at Section E.6 above. All requests, accompanied by a detailed marine map, should be referred to the IOTA Committee.

Fig 2.

F.1.1  The rise in popularity of the IOTA Programme over recent years has led more and more operators to activate islands. Many of these islands have had regular previous operations and are easy to reach and activate. Quite a few other islands, however, are remote, difficult and expensive to reach and present many operating problems. This is particularly true of some 59 listed IOTA groups that have not yet been activated as well as the majority of those IOTA groups that head the Most Wanted IOTA Groups list at Annex H.

F.1.2  The IOTA Programme, along with other major DX programmes, is based on integrity, honesty and fair play. It is essential that the programme should maintain these values if it is to continue to command support among the amateur radio community world-wide.

F.1.3  The IOTA Committee spent two years discussing with the IOTA community a proposal to introduce a require- ment that island operators should be prepared to provide on request evidence to substantiate their operations. Views expressed were almost universally favourable, with some of the most active and well-known island activators giving strongest support. Following this, the Committee decided to introduce the procedure and request validations for operations from all new groups and some rare and difficult to access groups. This has run smoothly without problems.

F.1.4  The Committee realises that this procedure can work satisfactorily only if the IOTA community is prepared to give its full support and co-operation. The Committee wishes to reassure participants that it is not guided by negative perceptions but rather by a wish to be seen to be serious in its administration of a programme which, in giving so much enjoyment, has to take so much on trust.

F.2.1  Within two months of the completion of an operation from a provisionally numbered group the operator, without waiting to be asked, should provide evidence in support of his operation under the three sections below.

Physical Presence

The following is acceptable as evidence of physical presence:

•  A dated invoice and receipt from a facility on the island, for example a hotel, rented accommodation owner,  campsite manager or shop, in all cases showing the name and address of the company and the name of the DXpeditioner, or
•  A signed statement from an official on the island, for example a lighthouse keeper or harbour-master, giving the dates that the DXpeditioner was there – this must include the official’s name, address and position, or

•  A signed statement from the operator of the boat or plane used for transportation to the island, giving the dates and times on which the DXpeditioner was landed and collected – this must include the name of the boat / plane operator and his / her address. In cases where public transportation is available to the island, a copy of the ticket will be acceptable in place of the statement if and only if the ticket shows the island destination and dates of travel. In cases of small yachts where the captain is the operator, the above requirement should be interpreted as requiring a statement from a crew member.

Any statement provided should be in English where possible or accompanied by an English translation – a statement in the local language is acceptable but may result in considerable delay in completing the validation procedure.

A photograph of the operator taken against an identifiable feature on the island, for example a name- plaque, is highly desirable and may be critical in any cases where the transportation statement is challenged and cannot subsequently be easily verified. This applies particularly to small yachts where photographs showing 

that the operation was land-based should always be provided as a matter of routine.

Licence

A photocopy of the operator’s licence will be required, except where the operator is using his / her normal call-sign for the island operation or is otherwise operating under the terms of his / her licence (for example CEPT).

Landing and / or Operating Permits
The IOTA Committee needs to see copies of landing and/ or operating permits for islands where it is known that they are required. For example, it is aware that permits are required for the majority of islands off the coasts of Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and West Coast USA. The Committee advises DXpeditioners, in planning their island operations, to pay attention to the possible need for permits and, if their investigations show that they are required, to make a point of obtaining them. Otherwise, well-founded protests after the event could lead to disqualification of their activity from IOTA credit and withdrawal of confirmation of the reference number. Evidence for or against the need for permits may take the form of copies of relevant correspondence or notes of reported conversations with named government / agency officials.

F.2.2  DXpeditioners should understand that an operation from a provisionally numbered group falls into a ‘provisionally accepted’ category until satisfactory validation is provided that enables it to be upgraded to the ‘accepted’ category and the provisional group number to be confirmed. If such evidence is not forthcoming within a period of four months of the end of the operation, the IOTA Committee may decide to downgrade the operation to a ‘long term pending’ category. Checkpoints are not authorised to accept for credit QSL cards submitted for operations falling into the ‘provisionally accepted’ and ‘long term pending’ categories.

F.3.1  The above procedure will also be applied to operations from
•  specified rare IOTA groups, defined as those which the listing of Most Wanted IOTA Groups at Annex H shows are needed by 85% of stations on the Central IOTA Database, and

•  difficult IOTA groups, defined as those additional IOTA groups which are known to have restrictions on landing or operating an amateur radio station.

F.3.2  The IOTA Committee reserves the right to operate this procedure also in cases of operations from islands which are exceptionally difficult to reach or present far greater than average political o r licensing problems.

F.3.3   The IOTA Committee will endeavour to inform an island DXpedition  either before  or during an operation  th at it falls within  the scope  of paragraph  F.3.1 or F.3.2  and requires   satisfacto ry   evidence   of   validation   to   be provided within a period of four months of the end of the operation. DXpeditioners should understand that an operation that triggers this request falls into a provisionally  accepted’  category  until  satisfactory evidence of validation is provided that enables it to be upgraded to the ‘accepted’ category. If such evide nce is not forthcoming within a period of four mo nths of the end of  the  operation,  the  IOTA 

Committee  may decide to downgrade the operation to a ‘long   term   pending’ category as in paragraph F.2.2 above.

F.4.1   The above procedure will also be ap plied to operations by yachtsmen on extended cruises or otherwise whe re the boat has or might be considered as h aving an o n- board operational amateur radio station and the  island operation is from a group shown  in the listing of Most Wanted IOTA Groups at Annex H as needed by 70% of stations on the Central IOTA Database. Evidence of an authorised land-based operation will be required.

F.5.1   The IOTA Committee may extend this procedure to oth er operations where there is concern.

F.6.1   A listing of operations that submit satisfactory validation is posted on the RSGB IOTA and IOTA Manager’s web-sites.

F.6.2   From time  to time the IOTA  Committee  is required to take action over a past operation which is found not to qualify  for IOTA or is known or suspected not to have taken place as claimed or has failed to reach acceptable standards o f on air and / or QSLing performance.  The Committee reserves the right to 

withdraw credit for contacts made with such operations. Where appropriate, the operation will be downgraded into the ‘long term pending’ category and the operator concerned may find past  and  future  operations  classified  as  ineligible  for IOTA credit.

G.1.1  The IOTA Committee is charged with overall responsibility for IOTA. It is a full Committee of the RSGB and operates under normal Committee Standing Orders.

G.1.2  Decisions of the IOTA Committee are publicised on the official RSGB IOTA web-site.

G.1.3  The IOTA Programme is managed on a non-profit-making basis. Most administration costs are met from with in the programme, principally from card-checking and certificate fees. The programme’s financial status wa s strengthened in September 1994 when the Committee  entered into a sponsorship agreement with 

Yaesu UK Ltd. This was to last for 12 ye ars until October 2006 when sponsorship passed  to  Icom.  The  Committee  greatly  values  the support that it has received from its sponsors. For its part the RSGB  provides  administrative  support  from Head- quarters in the form of the IOTA Co-ordinator’s post.

G.2.1  In managing  the programme the IOTA Committee  has been fortunate in being able to call on the assistance and goodwill of a large number of friends world-wide. They have  helped  in  innumerable  ways,  both  in  provid ing information and in encouraging  island activity and also behind the scenes in supplying maps and local tran lations of the Directory.  The Committee  is grateful for all this support and encouragement  which has done much  to  promote   IOTA  as   a credible international programme . Drawing on this goodwill it has appointed a number of overseas Country Assistants to help with implementation. The title will not be given lightly. It will be an acknowledgement of work alrea dy undertaken and of a commitment  to  continue  to  assist  the  Committee  to administer  the  programme  in accordance  with  its rule structure and, where necessary, to resolve local problems.

G.2.2  The  IOTA  Committee  is  aware  that  island  chasers  in some countries may wish to establish a national IOTA club or group to promote the programme in that country. It welcomes and encourages moves in this direction as a means of increasing participation and of providing a local service for answering queries and  solving problems. It would expect any Country Assistant to be a main participant in such a group .

H.1.1  Going  on  your  own  island  DXpedition?  If  so,  please remember to provide good advance publicity for your operation through the RSGB IOTA web-site and the DX bulletins.  Give  details  of  call-sig ns, dates,  frequencies and the route for QSL cards.

H.1.2  When, after the event, you next update, you may apply to have your Honour Roll or Annual Listing score credited with the call-sign used on the operation  for the IOTA group in question. You do not need to use your own call-sign   but  the  printed   expedition  QSL  card  must confirm that you were a member and 

needs to be submitted, showing the date and time of the first contact. To take ad vantage of this concession a single-operator station must have made a minimum  100 QSOs  and a multi-operator station a minimum 200 QSOs. Sorry, this does not allow you to claim credit for your home score for island contacts made on your 

expedition unless you were using a call-sign issued personally to you and were yourself operating at the time and from the same DXCC entity.

H.2.1  Neither  the  RSGB  nor  the  IOTA  Manager  nor  any member  of  the  IOTA  Committee  no r  the  Committee acting as a corporate body can accept any responsibility for any financial or other loss resulting from action taken by island  activators  or programme  participants  on  the basis of any provision within this Directory or any communica tion from them or resulting from action taken by the Committee in managing the IOTA Programme.

H.3      EXTENT OF THE IOTA COMMITTEE’S DISCRETION
 H.3.1  From time to time the IOTA Committee  will review the Central IOTA Database of islan d credits and may find it necessary to delete a very small number of them. This will gen erally be where a checking error has been made, where se rious doubt has been cast on the location of a particular sta tion, or where a printing error on the card has come to light. Checkpoints will endeavour to inform their customers of any change to their record at the n ext suitab le  opportunity.  This  process  will  be  easier  andfaster if the IOTA participant has registered an e-mail address with his / her Checkpoint.

H.3.2  The Committee attaches importance to the maintenance of fair play as far as is practicable. From time to time a set of circumstances occur where official intervention is considered justified. One such case is where there is seen to be unfair, even discriminatory, treatment of one or more people, for non-licensing reasons, in the making of contacts or issue of QSL cards. All participants are asked to pay attention to see that this does not happen.

H.3.3  IOTA is an RSGB sponsored activity programme. Members of the IOTA Committee, Checkpoints and Country Assistants are volunteers. They put in countless hours of effort, particularly in the checking of QSL cards and handling of certificate claims. Painstaking care is taken at all times, not least to resolve any 

cases of doubt. The credibility of the award programme is largely due to their efforts. From time to time the checking process leads the Committee to question the validity of a QSL. When this occurs, the Committee will seek further information, including on occasion copies of logs or log extracts, from the card-holder himself or the island operator. It consi- ders that, since it manages the IOTA Programme, it has the right to require such information. All participants in the programme are expected to co-operate with the Com- mittee in providing on request such information as is judged to be within their control. When non-co-operation occurs and, more so, when award rules are broken, the overall integrity of the programme is judged of primary importance and continued participation in IOTA by the participant concerned may no longer be possible.

H.3.4  The decision of the IOTA Committee is final.

The  following  ground  rules  apply  if  you  wish  to  feed  your existing record by obtaining credit for contacts made while using a different call-sign (in the same DXCC entity) from the one with which you have registered on the Central IOTA Database.

1. Credit for contacts for the standard category of application may be given

•  if the call-sign in question was previously issued to you personally but has now been relinquished or is no longer in use – this is conditional on confirmation in QRZ.com or HamCall.net,
•  if your registered call-sign has required a change following a temporary or permanent move to a different region of the DXCC entity,

•  if your registered call-sign has been temporarily changed following   a   general   dispensation   from   the   licensing authority to commemorate a special event (King’s Birthday, National Day etc),

•  if the additional call-sign was issued to you personally on a permanent  basis  with  the  same  licensing  conditions  as your registered call-sign – this is conditional on:

–   your providing a copy of your licence to your Checkpoint showing this to be the case (with English translation),   the  call  being  confirmed  as  yours  in  QRZ.com  or HamCall.net,

–   all contacts with the call-sign being made by you personally,

–   this being the only additional current call-sign used for claiming credits for your registered call-sign, and

–   the circumstances in 2. below not applying.

2. Credit for contacts for the standard category of application will not be given

•  if the additional call-sign has been issued to you on behalf of a club, organisation, team, or other similar body, i.e. not restricted to you for private use,

•  if the additional call-sign bears a club call-sign prefix or suffix,

•  if the additional call-sign has been issued for a limited- period special event, contest or DXpedition, where there has been, or is authorised by the licence to be, multi- operator mode operation,

•  if, despite the terms of 1. above,   the credit or credits claimed were at a time when evidence shows that you were  using  your  additional  call-sign  to  participate  as  a multi-operator station in a contest.

This latter refusal of credit also applies if you were using at the time your registered call-sign as a multi-operator station in a contest.

3. Holders of a second call-sign in the same DXCC entity may not   open   a   second   record  in   the   standard   category  of application on the Central IOTA Database.