How can I become an IRC Op?
Short Answer: you cannot.
Longer Answer: You need to either own a server, or be chosen to help run one. People are chosen for their knowledge and temperament as demonstrated on IRC, and not because they ask to be IRC ops; refusal often offends.

How can I become an ASD helper?
You can become an ASD helper by:
being noticed as being helpful to the network eg: help on mailing lists, helping in established IRC client help channels, gaining general IRC knowledge and experience.
becoming extremely familiar with all AustNet services and their rich variety of commands;
not being involved in any anti-social activity on AustNet (i.e. cloning, services abuse, spamming, abuse);
being asked to help in #asd by a current ASD helper (no access).
On NO occasion should you ever ask for helper status, as rejection often offends. Asking shows you are after helper status for reasons other than helping AustNet users. Such persons will not be good helpers.

How can I find an IRC Op when I need one?
Type
/msg sprint listadmin or
/msg operop listadmin -online

How do I find an ASD helper when I need one?
Type /msg asd listadmin -online

Is an IRCop a "cop"?
No, IRCop stands for IRC Operator, or someone who has control over the IRC server or network. They are in no way a policeman.

What do IRCops do?
IRCops are responsible for the smooth running of the network servers. This includes re-routing the network to ensure optimal performance, tending individual servers, and removing troublemakers from the network by use of /kill, server ban (kline) or network-wide ban (gline).

For more help, ask online in #help or contact [email protected].

Many people get confused at the difference between IRCops and ASD helpers.

If you do a /whois command on an IRCop you should see this:
XXX is an IRC Operator

If you do a /whois on a senior ASD helper you will see this:
XXX is an Austnet Services Dept Administrator OR
XXX is an Austnet Services Helper.

ASD helpers deal only with AustNet services matters. They do not deal with bans from AustNet, kills or server bans. For these you need to find an IRC op. Similarly, if you need help with a stolen channel or any other issue involving registered nicknames or channels, you need to find an ASD helper.

Some IRC Ops are also ASD helpers and have both information lines on their /whois.