NATO ANTI–PIRACY MULTINATIONAL DOCTRINE (2008)

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

(12) SIGNIFICANT APPEARANCE OF VESSEL FOR OPTICAL RECOGNITION.

(13) MMSI (Maritime Mobile Services Identity) number.

(14) Name of communication stations being copied.

(15) INMARSAT telephone numbers.

(16) INMARSAT Fax numbers.

(17) INMARSAT telex numbers.

(18) INMARSAT data numbers.

(19) Other communication means, including e-mail addresses.

Section B — Voyage Data:

(20) Intended movement — description of passage.

(21) Last port/country of call, including actual date and time of departure from last port.

(22) Next port of call, including ETA at next port of call.

(23) Current position.

(24) Date/time and position entering the region.

(a - x) Waypoints of intended track through AOI (date/time, latitudes/longitudes).

(25) Position and date/time of departing the region.

Section C — Operator Data:

(26) Name of ship owner/operator including address of ship owner, name of charterer (if any)

and address of operator/charterer.

(27) E-mail address of the above.

(28) Telephone number of above.

(29) Fax number of above.

Section D — Cargo Data:

(30) Quantity and nature of main/relevant cargo.

(31) Shippers of main/relevant cargo (name and address).

(32) Origin of main/relevant cargo.

(33) Consignee of main/relevant cargo.

5A-19

CHANGE 1

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

109 Submit Merchant Ship Data to the Recognised Maritime Picture

References:

a. EXTAC 619 B—Operating Procedures for the RMP¹.

b. OPGEN, OPTASKs RMP, ASUW and NCAGS.

Purpose. To contribute merchant ship track data to the RMP. The RMP is a non-real time geo-

graphic presentation of processed all source contact and planning data known at a given time, of surface,

subsurface, amphibious and maritime air units, forces and operations in a designated AOI, compiled by an

assigned RMP manager. Data collection involves the accumulation of data reports from multiple sources

in a variety of message and reporting formats. See Annex 3D for more information on the RMP.

Tasks. This tool will exploit the relationship between the NCAGSORG and merchant ships to

collect PIM and supplementary data to contribute to the merchant ship component of the RMP. Support to

the RMP is a major NCAGS task applicable to all operations across all crisis levels.

a. To promulgate track alert criteria of contacts designated as SUS/COI/CCOI in the OPTASK

NCAGS. It is essential that the OPTASK RMP, ASUW and NCAGS all use the same designated

criteria

b. Establish the time late criteria in the OPTASK RMP. The non-deviating nature of merchant ship

voyages must be taken into account, which may permit a time late period of up to 24 hours. This

must be carefully explained to and fully understood by the RMP Manager.

c. To submit initial merchant ship RMP tracks using the information contained in Format Alfa.

d. To submit Over-The-Horizon-Targeting (OTHT) FORM GOLD contained in EXTAC 619 (B)

in accordance with the OPTASK NCAGS.

e. To update tracks as required in accordance with the nature of the operations. The operations area

will affect the update rate required to maintain a current RMP. Slower update rates will be

acceptable in open ocean whereas more frequent updates may be required in more enclosed seas

with higher traffic densities.

f. Maintain close liaison with the RMP manager to ensure the consistency and quality of data

submitted by NCAGS.

Implementation:

a. Manning. SO NCAGS and additional staffs will be dependent on the situation.

b. Equipment. The NCAGSORG must have access to some form of ADP-IS capable of

collecting, processing and maintaining merchant ship data and compatible with fleet systems.

c. Communications. Some form of real time communications to allow NCAGS staff to submit

data in support of the RMP is necessary if information is to be kept current.

Extac 619 is a NATO pubication and may not be available to all NCAGS personnel. Chapter 3, Annex D, has been

written to take this fact into account and give some basic guidance.

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CHANGE 1

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

111 Assist in the Deconfliction of Merchant Ship Movements and Military Operations

References:

a. OPTASK NCAGS, ASUW AND MINEWARFARE.

b. OPDIR.

c. NAVWARNS.

d. ASSESSREPS.

Purpose. To minimise interference between military operations and merchant ship movements.

Deconfliction should aim to keep merchant ships clear of military operations by persuading masters to

comply with NCAGS guidance and recommendations. At the same time masters should understand that

by complying, the interruptions to their voyages by military units will be minimised and that the safety of

their voyages will be enhanced.

Tasks:

a. Identify areas of potential interference between military and merchant ships such as separation

zones, traffic lanes, fishing areas, chokepoints, main shipping routes, etc.

b. Liaise with the staff of the military commander to ascertain those areas which they would wish

merchant ships to avoid, such as submarine operating areas, mine danger areas, replenishment-at-sea

corridors, carrier operating areas, areas covered by shore-based missile batteries, etc.

c. Generate alternative routes, avoiding the areas identified in tasks a and b.

d. Promulgate alternative routes identified at task c. This will include:

(1) Requesting support of NSAs and civil shipping authorities (ship owners/operators) both

to advertise the areas and avoidance routes, and to encourage ships to comply with the guidance

and advice provided by the NCAGSORG.

(2) NAVWARNS.

(3) Using CRGs to pass on deconfliction information.

(4) Websites.

(5) Brief masters. See Tool 112.

Implementation:

a. Manning. NCAGS SO will identify the requirements for NCAGS personnel to support

deconfliction requirement.

b. Equipment. N/A.

c. Communications. GMDSS.

d. Related Tools. 101, 102, 103, 112.

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CHANGE 1

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

112 Brief Merchant Ship Masters

References:

a. OPTASKS NCAGS, ASUW.

b. SITREPS.

c. NAVWARNS.

d. METOC signals.

Purpose. To brief masters in order to enhance their safety, minimise disruption to their voyages,

and improve their awareness and understanding of the miltary situation.

Tasks. Brief contents will be mission specific (e.g., an MIO briefing will vary from a briefing

due to a threat to merchant ships).

a. Identify which ships require briefs and the type of brief to be given. These should be tailored to

the situation but standardised within the operation and may be initial briefs, updates, pre-sail briefs,

or debriefs. All of them should be conducted as a two-way process in order to maximise exchange

of information. Particular care should be taken to brief the following types of ship:

(1) Merchant ships transiting an SRA.

(2) IVC.

(3) Ships to be accompanied.

(4) Ships requiring lead-through.

(5) Strategic sealift.

(6) CRS.

b. Prepare briefings. Different types of ships will require different briefs depending on the

circumstances. In all cases the information passed should be kept to the minimum necessary.

Briefings may include the following types of information:

(1) Military operation overview, both friendly and opposing forces, and any UN resolution

requirements.

(2) Risk assessment.

(3) Guidance for passage, including routes and diversion information. It is extremely im-

portant that the reasons for routeing recommendations are given, emphasising the benefits the

Master will reap by complying.

(4) NCAGS organisation and operation details including such elements as:

(a) NCAGS Area.

(b) CRG, SCP, NCAGS units details.

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(d) Degree of cooperation requested.

(e) Any recommended self-protection measures.

(5) Maritime Safety Information.

(6) Merchant ship observations and feedback to the NCAGSORG.

(7) Report own ship movements.

(8) Communications with warships and NCAGSORG.

(9) NAVWARNS in force.

(10) METOC information.

c. Deliver briefings to merchant ship masters. This may be achieved through a variety of means,

such as face-to-face briefings on board merchant ships, radio/telephone calls, facsimile

transmissions, e-mail, and posting of briefing materials on an appropriate website.

d. Exercise care to protect classified information.

Implementation:

a. Manning. The level of manning required will be dependent on the mission requirements and

the numbers of merchant ships requiring briefs.

b. Equipment. PC, projector, printer.

c. Communications. Maritime VHF. Internet access.

d. Related Tools. 101, 103, 107, 111, 116, 117, 118, 120, 122.

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CHANGE 1

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

114

Establish Shipping Cooperation Points

Reference. OPTASK NCAGS.

Purpose:

a. An SCP is used to execute and coordinate assigned NCAGS units and to cooperate with

participating ships, local merchant shipping, supporting military units and commands. An aide

memoire for SCPs is found in paragraph 5.

b. The assigned tasks and functions will vary by the location(s) and situation and will be

determined within the OPTASK NCAGS.

c. An SCP can be either ashore or afloat.

Tasks:

a. Identify the operational requirement for the SCP afloat and/or ashore.

b. Determine whether an existing NCAGS unit can be used as an SCP.

c. Determine an AOR.

d. Identify platforms/assets and suitable geographic location(s) establishing an SCP.

e. Identify the manning and equipment requirement for the SCP.

f. Promulgate location/position of each SCP, including all available communication means and

other relevant information to merchant ships.

g. Once the SCP is established the tasks will include:

(1) Cooperate with and brief the merchant ships and other maritime commercial activities in

their AOR. This includes local merchant shipping, harbour authorities, local fishing authorities,

terminal operators, shipping agents and others as required.

(2) Coordinate NCAGS units assigned.

Implementation:

a. Manning. The manning of an SCP will be based on the tasks assigned and the volume of

shipping.

b. Equipment. An SCP requires equipment based on location, whether afloat or ashore, military

or civilian environment, and function. The equipment list must be worked out early enough in order

to get the SCP operational as soon as possible. However, it can be assumed that the establishment

will normally grow as the situation develops.

c. Communications. An SCP must have the necessary means of communication in accordance

with the equipment list to execute its task.

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d. Connectivity. Direct communication to merchant ships, civilian entities, military commands,

other SCPs and to assigned NCAGS units. This includes cryptographic equipment as needed and

possibly secure communication means.

e. Related Tools. 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 112, 116, 117, 118, 121, 122.

Aide memoire for SCPs:

Keep and update a general situational merchant ship plot in the AOR.

Handling of information.

(1) Gathering information from merchant ships through Format Alfa and briefings.

(2) Gathering information from all possible sources such as local shipping community,

Internet, WWNWS, etc.

Report on the shipping situation in their AOR using SCP reporting procedures.

Dissemination of information:

(1) Inform merchant ships in their AOR of any relevant operational situation by conducting

briefings and/or issuing sailing instructions.

(2) Recommend unclassified warnings to merchant ships via the NCAGS CDR.

(3) Provide advice and give recommendations to merchant ships.

(4) Give basic routeing guidance if ordered.

(5) Issue diversion recommendations.

(6) Request establishment of SRAs to the NCAGS CDR.

(7) Issue diversion orders to merchant ships in or heading for an SRA.

(8) Determine number, accommodation, transport and employment of NCAGS LOs required

in the AOR.

(9) Set up a schedule for accompaniment if tasked in the AOR and coordinate with the

NCAGS CDR.

(10) Carry out NCAGS pre-sail briefings and debriefings.

(11) Supervise deployed NCAGS units within their AOR.

(12) Report of arrivals and sailings at/from ports.

(13) Update port entrance information.

5A-29

CHANGE 1

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

115 Establish Shipping Risk Areas (SRAs)

References:

a. OPTASK NCAGS.

b. OPTASK AWNIS.

c. Intelligence signals.

Purpose. The purpose of an SRA is to delineate an area of higher or specific risk to merchant

ships within an operational area. An SRA is clearly defined by geographic boundaries and may cover in-

ternational waters as well as territorial waters, harbours or anchorages. The size and shape of an SRA is

adjustable and may be altered when required. However, it should be kept as small and simple as possible.

Multiple SRAs may be established. All participating merchant ships within the SRA will be given an SI

with a recommended route to follow. Those vessels choosing not to comply with the SI should be briefed

clearly on the dangers that may result. An SRA also achieves the following objectives:

a. Minimises the movement of merchant ships in a defined area due to:

(1) Increased threat from opposing forces.

(2) Increased danger to merchant ships by own naval operations.

b. Provides guidance to merchant ships in defined areas in order to:

(1) Achieve deconfliction of military operations and merchant ships.

(2) Reduce risk by following promulgated track.

(3) Reduce risk in the event of an imminent/actual threat.

Tasks:

a. Determine the boundaries of the proposed SRA in consultation with other warfare commanders

and intelligence.

b. Forward the boundaries of the SRA to relevant authorities for promulgation via appropriate

means (NAVWARNS or NOTMARs), including recommendations on avoiding the SRA.

c. Issue diversion orders, if required, to individual participating ships transiting or due to transit the

SRA.

d. Prepare optimum routes through the SRA with position designators.

e. Prepare SIs for all participating ships, stating the recommended route with position designators.

f. Prepare SRA transit briefings and deliver them to the masters when submitting the SIs. The

briefings should contain instructions for updating the intended movements as reflected in the SI and

deviations from the given route for times and distances.

g. Depending on the situation, consider deployment of NCAGS LOs.

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116

Deploy NCAGS Liaison Officers

Reference. OPTASK NCAGS.

Purpose. NCAGS LOs may embark on any merchant ships in order to enhance the cooperation

with military units/authorities.

Tasks:

a. The NCAGS CDR will identify the requirement for deployment of NCAGS LOs.

b. The NCAGS LO makes military knowledge available to the masters of merchant ships to allow

them to understand the naval/military requirements. This includes:

(1) Brief and inform on the situation.

(2) Explain and interpret information contained in SIs.

(3) Collect and disseminate ship’s data, voyage intention, and information of interest.

(4) Check, monitor and report on equipment and publications of interest.

(5) Train and assist ship’s Master and officers in tactical communications, maneuvering pro-

cedures, EMCON responsibilities, general safety, documentation and operating requirements

for helicopter operations if necessary.

c. The NCAGS LO provides relevant information to naval authorities on operations in the area.

d. The NCAGS LO acts as an interpreter of military language and expressions.

e. The NCAGS LO allows for secure exchange of classified information.

f. The NCAGS LO will debrief the master at the end of each voyage.

Considerations:

a. Embarking NCAGS LOs on board a merchant ship does not change the legal status and

obligations of the ship.

b. The NCAGS LO must have a background in naval operations or communications with a

corresponding background in merchant ship operations and responsibilities.

c. Additionally, the NCAGS LO should have the following skills and knowledge:

(1) Be able to speak English IAW NATO standard.

(2) Understand OPORDS, OPTASKS, briefings, and messages, etc.

(3) Relevant operational knowledge (including NCAGS) and procedures.

(4) Familiarity with communications and security.

(5) Knowledge of merchant ship handling, scheduling, cargo, and communications.

5A-32

CHANGE 1

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

117 Provide Merchant Ships with Sailing Instructions (SIs)

Reference.

Purpose. An SI is issued to all ships transiting an SRA and any other ships requiring specific

routeing direction within the AOO. The issue of an SI indicates that a mutual understanding has been

achieved. The Master has agreed to follow the routeing direction and the NCAGSORG will monitor the

ship’s passage and divert if necessary.

Tasks:

a. Maintain a plot on all participating ships.

b. Obtain sailing intentions from the respective ships.

c. Collect information that may affect the merchant ship’s transit.

d. Assess the information for relevance to merchant ships’ intended movements.

e. Identify risks.

f. Prepare an unclassified general situation report to go into the SI.

g. Ensure that the intended track is safe for the passage.

h. Use this safe route for the SI, using position designators and dead reckon times based on the

Master’s information, or identify another safe route if the intended track is not safe.

i. Include any special instructions in the SI.

j. Provide completed SIs to merchant ships at the appropriate briefing to the Master.

k. Issue diversion orders if necessary.

Implementation:

a. Manning. See Tool 114 (Establish Shipping Cooperation Points).

b. Equipment. See Tool 114 (Establish Shipping Cooperation Points).

c. Communications. See Tool 114 (Establish Shipping Cooperation Points).

d. Related Tools. 100, 103, 106, 108, 111, 112, 114, 116, 117.

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

APPENDIX 1 TO TOOL 117

Sailing Instruction Format

Note: The following outline is provided as guidance to illustrate an acceptable form and content for the

required SI used in NCAGS. Classified information should not normally be included. Exceptionally

classified information may be included in which case the SI must then be handled and destroyed in ac-

cordance with current security regulations.

SAILING INSTRUCTION

SHIP NAME:

INT CALLSIGN

FLAG:

SPEED

ENTRY POINT:

EXIT POINT/FINAL DESTINATION

Note: Entry and exit points are defining the part of the voyage where the SI applies.

GENERAL SITUATION

ROUTE

During passage you should pass through the following positions

POS DES/WAYPOINT

LAT/LONG

Remarks

etc.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

COMMUNICATIONS.

EMCON.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS SIGHTINGS.

NOTIFICATION OF DIVERSIONS.

SUMMARY OF NAVWARNS.

5A-35

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

118 Recommend and Facilitate Accompaniment of Merchant Ships

References: ATP 2(B), Vol. II, OPTASK NCAGS, ASUW, ASW and OPDIRs.

Definition. In naval cooperation and guidance for shipping, accompaniment is the coordinated

passage through a specific area of increased risk by one or more merchant ships in company with military

assets.

Purpose. To facilitate a military presence in the vicinity of merchant ships in order to act as a de-

terrent from any unlawful interference to these ships. It is primarily designed for transiting an SRA but

can be used throughout the AOO/NCAGS area as required.

a. It should be noted that the escorting military unit(s) may not be in a legal position, according to

international law and ROE in force, to actively protect merchant ships under attack. Their response

may be possible under the international law pertaining to the inherent right for self-defence.

b. Sailing in accompaniment does not suspend the Master’s responsibility for the safe navigation

of his ship. The merchant ships will not be under military command or control of maritime units but

will receive navigational advice and threat information if applicable during the entire

accompaniment period.

c. Embarking NCAGS LOs on board a merchant ship does not change the legal status and

obligations of the ship.

d. Generally there will not be enough military assets to accompany all merchant ships in the AOO.

For that reason the NCAGS CDR will have to prioritise ships being accompanied. Normally RE/RE

ships, followed by designated, and finally economic ships, would be the operational objectives.

e. The NCAGS staff advises the selected merchant ships either to use defined assembling areas or

to approach at appropriate speed in order to form up the accompaniment without delay. The staff

should organise the groups of merchant ships in such a way that minimum delay is caused to any

ship’s passage, and groups are of a manageable size. Unless otherwise ordered by the officer in

tactical command (OTC), merchant ships will be positioned in a single column at a safe distance

from each other, taking cargo, size, maneuvering and other factors into consideration in order to

establish navigational safety during transit. The naval assets will operate as tactically required and

are not part of the formation.

f. If the number of merchant ships transiting the area is excessive or escorts are limited, ships may

be routed individually or in groups of ships through secure areas where sea control has been

established.

g. The NCAGS CDR has to consider the need for additional items such as crypto and publications.

PCs may need to be supplied.

h. Onward passage planning at the end of the accompaniment must be considered for each ship.

This may be either a continuance of a planned safe route, or the ship may proceed as safe navigation

permits.

Tasks:

a. The NCAGS CDR will make a recommendation to the military commander to establish

accompaniment procedures.

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b. The NCAGS CDR will obtain a list of designated ships.

c. The NCAGS CDR will compile the information on merchant ships considered eligible for

accompaniment. This information will be requested from national shipping administrations of

allies taking part in an operation. Governing factors will include designation status, value, and

importance of the ship. On completion a list of eligible ships will be issued to the NCAGS element

that will be nominated as the NCAGS accompaniment co-ordinator.

d. The NCAGS CDR will liaise with warfare staff to establish what military units are available,

holding anchorages, disperal points, schedules and the parameters of areas to be covered by

accompaniment. The military commander will plan conduct of the accompaniment operation. The

advantages and disadvantages of EMCON should be considered.

e. The NCAGS CDR will issue an OPTASK NCAGS change, which orders accompaniment

procedures and nominates the NCAGS element responsible for accompaniment coordination.

Depending on the availability of military assets for accompaniment, the NCAGS CDR tasks the

NCAGS staff to set up a schedule for accompaniment.

f. The NCAGS CDR decides if the deployment of NCAGS LOs is necessary.

g. Merchant ships will be informed of the establishment of accompaniment either through a

briefing or by other means.

h. The assigned NCAGS element liaises with the OTC to ensure the execution of the

accompaniment, including the provision of relevant details of accompanied ships. This should

include ships and voyage data. Ship recognition data is essential for the OTC.

i. SIs should be issued for each accompanied merchant ship.

j. Pre-sail briefings for accompanied ships shall be conducted if required.

k. Sailed and arrived ships are to be reported via either the NCAGS ADP system or by other

appropriate means.

l. Where possible, merchant ship masters should be debriefed and updated on the current situation,

including any onward routeing by either the embarked NCAGS LO, the escort, or NCAGS unit.

m. Collate reports from the NCAGS LOs.

n. All NCAGS elements involved with the provision of accompaniment will provide reports as

required by the OPTASK NCAGS.

Implementation:

a. Manning. Accompaniment procedures are likely to require an increase to the NCAGS staff,

including NCAGS LOs.

b. Equipment. Portable crypto equipment may be required for all ships in the accompaniment,

including the naval assets.

c. Communications. NCAGS staff must be able to communicate with the military commander

and escorts. Communications between the maritime units and the merchant ships will normally be

confined to simple instructions on the designated VHF net. EMCON may be recommended to the

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

119 Facilitate Dispersal and Emergency Movement

References:

a. OPTASK NCAGS.

b. Local port evacuation plans.

c. Direction and guidance signals.

Purpose. To assist national authorities with dispersals or emergency movements which are defined as:

a. Dispersal. May be ordered when it is considered that the concentration of ships in a port or

area is such that its presence raises the likelihood of attack.

b. Emergency movement. To preserve ships and cargoes when attack in a port or area is

imminent or has occurred.

Either of these actions can be activated at any time and applies to both participating and non-participat-

ing ships that will be strongly advised to comply. It is likely that either action could be at short notice.

It is therefore vital that NCAGS personnel are fully prepared by being aware of civil and military emer-

gency planning in their area and by being ready to help coordinate the evacuation by informing rele-

vant NSAs, national shipping administration organisations and military commanders.

Tasks:

Dispersal:

(1) Within the port or area, ships may be moved to other berths and/or anchorages.

(2) Ships may be ordered to holding or working anchorages or to other ports.

(3) Empty ships may be sailed out of the threatened area to other ports or anchorages.

Emergency Movement. Emergency movement has four elements:

(1) Diversion of ships from port or area: If a port or area has to be evacuated, incoming ships

should be diverted to a safe port or anchorage.

(2) Port Evacuation. Port evacuation is a national responsibility and most ports should have

local emergency evacuation plans, which will be coordinated by port committees/harbour au-

thorities. In the event that these plans do not exist, coordination of movements must be estab-

lished with relevant harbour authorities. Evacuated ships have to be sailed in accordance with

the local plan or to a safe haven and sailed when safe to do so. Specific tasking for NCAGS may

be to brief masters and provide SIs and onward routeing.

(3) Area Evacuation when a larger sea area including more than one port or anchorage is re-

quired to be cleared of shipping: Either national authorities or the military commander can order

this. Ships will be sailed to a safe haven and onward routed when safe to do so. NCAGS units

should be familiar with any national or military evacuation plan in their area of responsibility

and assist responsible national and other relevant authorities as required. Specific tasking may

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be to advise NSAs, brief masters, provide SIs and onward routeing. An area evacuation may also

include one or more port evacuation plan to be executed.

(4) Subsequent Movements. As a result of the above evacuation plans, ships in safe havens

will subsequently be required to move when safe to do so. These movements will embrace those

activities for locating and identifying ships and cargoes, briefing masters and NSAs, and prepar-

ing SIs for onward routeing if required through an SRA. Some ships may have sailed independ-

ently rather than sail to the safe haven, so ship plots will need to be updated.

Implementation:

a. Manning. A coordinated and concentrated effort by the NCAGS staff will be required. The

NCAGS commander will have to carefully review manning in these ports and areas.

b. Equipment. VHF, PACE, Internet, mobile telephones, cars, boats, and safety equipment in

ports.

c. Communication. Fast and reliable communications in this situation are of the utmost

importance. Access to as much VHF and GMDSS as possible.

d. Related Tools. OPTASK NCAGS, liaison, briefing, RMP, NLOs, deconfliction, CRGs,

WWNWS, SRA, and SIs.

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

120 Provide NCAGS Services to Crisis Response Shipping (CRS)

References:

a. OPLAN.

b. OPGEN.

c. OPTASKS - LOGS, ASUW, ASW, RMP, and NCAGS.

d. Direction and guidance signals.

e. ALP 4.

Purpose. To liaise with Logistics Organisation to provide NCAGS services to CRS. In CRS the

term RE/RE covers reinforcement, resupply and retrograde ships. CRS ships will comprise STUFT, ships

chartered for military cargoes and, where appropriate, government-owned ships such as the U.S. MPS

and strategic sealift.

Definitions:

a. CRS. The purpose of CRS is to augment forces in an area of risk in order to enhance military

capability. It permits timely, tailored and reversible employment of forces that makes optimum use

of available resources.

b. Reinforcement. Is to augment allied forces in forward areas in the early days of a crisis,

thereby making maximum use of warning time.

c. Resupply. Follows on from reinforcement. Its purpose is to replenish reinforcement stocks in

order to maintain required levels of supply.

d. Retrograde. To backload unwanted stores, equipment and personnel from the area of

reinforcement. Reinforcement ships may be used for retrograde cargoes.

e. STUFT. Ships taken up from trade are ships that are nationally requisitioned, mainly for the

purpose of CRS.

f. Military Charter. Ships that have been chartered for support of military operations. The

charter party will normally state that the Master has to follow military orders. However, under the

convention of SOLAS, the Master always has the final responsibility for the safety of his ship.

Tasks:

a. Establish whether RE/RE ships are part of a military group or sailing independently.

b. If the former, ships will be under military direction and no further action by NCAGS is required.

c. If sailing independently, NCAGS staff will:

(1) Advise MCC and on-scene commanders on all RE/RE merchant shipping matters, includ-

ing protection, up to and including safe arrival at the seaport of disembarkation (SPOD) and

from the seaport of embarkation (SPOE) until out of operational area.

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NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

(2) Ensure that all independent RE/RE ships are included in current and long term planning

meetings.

(3)

Issue or change OPTASK NCAGS for RE/RE.

(4)

Directly liaise with the Master concerned for advice and information purposes.

(5)

Request initial Format Alfa.

(6)

Transmit OTHT FORM GOLD for RMP.

(7)

Issue SIs if required.

(8)

Obtain regular update positional reports.

(9)

Update RMP at no less than six hourly intervals.

(10)

Deploy and regularly update NCAGS LOs if necessary and available.

(11)

Issue COMSEC equipment and keymat if required to NCAGS LOs.

(12)

Work with the logistics organisation as required on the following issues:

(a) Liaise with RE/RE owner/operators/agents as required.

(b) Ship’s characteristics and identification features.

databases such as Lloyds Register-Fairplay).

(d) Alternate port/anchorages/bunkering (available in shipping databases such as Lloyds

Implementation:

a. Manning. Requires no extra manning; however, it is a time-consuming task for SO NCAGS.

RE/RE requires detailed early planning and constant attention to detail during all phases.

b. Equipment. PACE may be required for NCAGS LOs.

c. Communications. GMDSS for ships.

d. Related Tools. OPTASK NCAGS, CRGs, Format Alfa, deconfliction, issue SI, RMP,

accompaniment, lead-through, dispersal and emergency movement, generate routes.

5A-42

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

121 Recommend and Facilitate Lead-through

References:

a. ATP 1, Vol. I, Chapter 13.

b. ATP 1, Vol. II.

c. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

d. APP 11.

Purpose. To minimise the risk to merchant ships transiting potential mined areas, and to facili-

tate the liaison between these ships and the on-scene MCM commander for safe navigation.

Tasks:

a. To identify potential mined areas of concern to merchant ships.

b. To make recommendations in consultation with the mine countermeasures tasking authority

(MCM TA) on lead-through to the MCC.

c. To pass relevant merchant ship characteristics and schedules to the MCM TA.

d. To establish requirements for embarking NCAGS LOs.

e. To brief the masters on lead-through procedures including R/V position and time, escort details

and communications, self-protection measures, EMCON requirements, and subsequent passage

instructions. In consultation with the MCM TA, masters may also be briefed on lead-through order.

Implementation:

a. Manning. N/A.

b. Equipment. N/A.

c. Communications. N/A.

d. Related Tools. 101, 112, 116, 117.

5A-43

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

122 Generate Routes for NCAGS Purposes

References:

a. Annex 3F.

b. OPTASK NCAGS.

c. Intelligence Signals.

d. NAVWARNS.

e. Water Space Management.

Purpose. To provide guidance for the selection of specific routes for merchant ships within or

through the operational area.

Tasks: Detailed guidance on the development of routes is given in Annex 3F.

a. Coordinate and deconflict with other warfare commanders and intelligence information.

b. Develop route(s) with respect to safe navigation and general routeing guidelines in Annex 3F.

c. On behalf of the military commander, establish and maintain a system of prescribed routes in the

operational area.

d. Allocate routes as required to merchant ships.

e. Brief masters.

Implementation:

a. Manning. To produce and maintain routes requires constant checking of current applicability.

Only personnel who are adept in chartwork and are skilled navigators should be charged with this

function.

b. Equipment. Sufficient and current charts and plotting tools.

c. Communications. N/A.

d. Related Tools. 101, 102, 104, 107, 111, 112, 115, 117, 118, 121, 201 .

5A-44

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

123

Produce Navigational Safety Warnings Using WWNWS or AWNIS

Reference. AHP 1.

Purpose. To produce navigational safety warnings.

Tasks:

a. Liaise with MW, maritime component operations staff officer (N-3), and other relevant desks

for information and approval as required.

b. Appreciate geographic factors in the area (for example depth, features and routeing).

c. Find out who the area and national co-ordinators are for unclassified messages (see ref).

d. Find out who the AWNIS originating authority is for classified messages (see ref). Unclassified

requests to the WWNWS authorities are also raised by AWNIS.

e. Draft messages using guidance and examples at the reference.

f. Seek legal advice for the wording of an unclassified warning if in any doubt.

g. With command approval, send to the appropriate addressees.

h. Log the actions and the message and continue to seek AWNIS support, especially if more

warnings are required.

Implementation:

a. Manning. An AWNIS desk is permanently manned (during office hours) at the United

Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), Taunton, UK (0044 1823 723342).

b. Equipment. An up-to-date and corrected set of charts for the area and relevant navigational

publications.

c. Communications. As appropriate for the classification of the warning.

d. Related Tools.

5A-45

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

ANNEX 5B

200 Series Naval Cooperation and

Guidance for Shipping Tools

201

Mandatory Routeing for Merchant Ships

References:

a. OPLAN.

b. OPGEN.

c. OPTASK NCAGS.

Purpose. To facilitate the mandatory routeing of independently sailed merchant ships.

Tasks:

a. Identify and determine safe routes.

b. Determine time period of route viability.

c. Disseminate routes to appropriate commands as determined in the OPTASK NCAGS. Route

dissemination messages will usually be sent via an OTHT Gold message. Specific details will be

promulgated in OPTASK COMMS.

d. Promulgate safe route(s) via SIs, which may include:

(1) Date and time of departure.

(2) Final destination and ETA.

(3) Route to be followed.

(4) Reporting and communication instructions.

(5) EMCON and COMSEC.

(6) Self protection measures.

(7) General situation report.

(8) Current threat assessment.

(9) Diversion procedures.

e. See Tool 117 for additional tasks.

5B-1

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

202

Conduct Convoy Operations

References:

a. AAP 8(F)(NAVY).

b. APP 11.

c. ATP 1, CHAPTER 10.

d. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

e. OPLAN/OPORD.

f. OPDIRs.

g. OPGEN/OPTASK NCAGS.

Purpose:

a. To escort and protect merchant ships and/or naval auxiliary assembled and organized for the

purpose of safe passage together.

b. To optimize the command and control over a number of merchant ships during their passage

through an area of high threat in order to enhance their safety.

Tasks. The following tasks are to be covered:

a. Make a recommendation to the military commander to establish convoy operations.

b. Make a recommendation to the military commander on the kind of convoy operations. De-

pending on the threat conditions, the availability of protecting assets, and the number of designated

ships to be allocated, the responsible military commander has to decide on the kind and extent of

convoy operations. Convoy operations may range from a flexible, accompaniment-like shuttle sys-

tem with an administrative escort under area protection, to a firmly organised full-scale port to port

convoy under the protection of an escorting force.

c. Contribute to developing a convoy operations plan.

d. If necessary, request suitable administrative escort from the MCC for protection.

e. Liaison with OTC/escort force commander (EFC) and establish a convoy schedule.

f. Coordinate with affected millitary commanders to determine convoy routes, including assembly

points or areas, rendezvous positions, break-off positions and dispersal points.

g. Define convoy characteristics (speed, configuration and formation ships’ positions). For sta-

tioning criteria for ships in convoy, see Appendix 1.

h. Designate convoy titles. The convoy title of a main convoy will be composed of the port

designators indicating the port of departure and the immediate destination and a two-digit serial

number based on the scheduled sequence of convoys having the same departure and destination.

5B-3

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

Select and allocate designated ships from the bids for participation in convoy ops.

Define number of required Convoy Commodores and staffs.

k. If required, request extra NCAGS liaison officers and deploy them on ships without NCAGS

expertise embarked.

Define supporting roles and responsibilities (i.e., EFC).

m. Appoint Convoy Commodores and staffs to convoys.

n. Arrange for Allied tactical publications, communication equipment and crypto equipment and

materials.

o. Make arrangements for joiners, leavers, stragglers and late availability. For instructions, see

appendixes 2, 3, 4 and 5.

p. Produce and distribute convoy communication plans and EMCON plans.

q. Prepare sailing order convoy (SOC).

r. If possible, prepare and conduct convoy conference and/or pre-sail briefings.

s. Sail the convoy and report the sailings and arrivals of convoys.

Monitor the convoy passage.

u. On arrival of a convoy, disembark Convoy Commodores, staff and NCAGS LOs. Collect

Allied publications, communication equipment and crypto equipment and materials. Collect re-

ports and records (FORMEXES) and conduct debriefings.

Responsibilities:

a. The MCC has overall responsibility for the convoy operation.

b. The NCAGS CDR is responsible for the NCAGS organisation and the NCAGS activities in the

convoy operation. This includes the administration and deployment of NCAGS personnel and the

selection of designated ships for convoy ops. He may delegate responsibilities for the execution

(routeing authority, sailing authority) to the officer in charge (OIC) of the concerned SCP.

c. The OIC of the SCP is responsible for the assembly of the convoy, the allocation of selected

ships, the preparation of the SOC, the convoy conference and pre-sail briefings, the sailing of a con-

voy, reporting and debriefings. He cooperates with the Convoy Commodore as much as possible.

d. The OTC/EFC executes tactical control over the convoy via the Convoy Commodore. He co-

operates with the Convoy Commodore and directs him, when necessary. The OTC or EFC is re-

sponsible to the MCC for the tactical control of the escort force and the convoy.

e. The Convoy Commodore is responsible for the EFC or OTC for the formation, internal organi-

sation, communication and safe navigation of the convoy. He keeps the parent SCPs informed. He

acts as net control station for communications within the convoy. In the preparation for convoy sail-

ing, the Convoy Commodore is responsible for the conduct of the convoy conference, review of

SIs, and preparation of the convoy communications plan.

5B-4

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

f. The Master of a merchant ship in the convoy follows orders received from the Convoy

Commodore.

Implementation:

a. Manning. Convoy Commodores and their respective staffs will number in the range of three

to 12 individuals. This will require continued consideration in the increase of staff personnel both

afloat or ashore in the management of convoy operations. One NCAGS LO and one COMMS oper-

ator should be assigned to each ship if necessary.

b. Equipment.

c. Accommodation. The implementation of convoy operations will generate additional de-

mand for accommodation for both convoy operation staff and NCAGS LOs in a substantial

number.

d. Communications. Portable VHF, flashing lights, and cryptographic equipment will be re-

quired and IAW applicable appendix. This will include sufficient stationery supplies to support op-

erations (printer paper, logs, pencil/pens, notebooks). Consideration should be given to have

sufficient information technology connectivity. For convoy communications instructions and

EMCON, see Appendix 6.

e. Related Tools. 101, 103, 104, 112, 114, 115, 116, 120, 121, 201.

5B-5

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

APPENDIX 1 TO TOOL 202

Stationing Criteria for Ships in Convoy Formations

References:

a. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

b. OPORD.

c. OPTASK NCAGS.

Purpose. To establish stationing positions for ships in convoy.

Task. Establish formation and stationing positions for ships in convoy.

Criteria for Stationing. Broad Front and Reversed Arrowhead Formations:

a. The Convoy Commodore should normally be situated in the leading ship of the center column

(or column to starboard of center if an even number of columns).

b. Vice and Rear Commodores should normally be situated in the leading ships of columns toward

the wings of the formation.

c. Larger ships should normally be stationed ahead of smaller ships.

d. Escort oilers should normally be stationed in the rear of the formation to facilitate their acting

independently when ordered to carry out replenishment at sea.

e. Troop carriers and/or ships with passengers should normally be stationed toward the center of

the formation.

f. Ships forming leaver sections should be stationed in a position to facilitate their departure from

the main convoy.

g. In broad front convoys where the formation grid is 1,000 yards (5 cables), the station in front of

ships over 160,000 DWT should be left vacant.

h. Ships allocated for rescue duties should be stationed at the rear of columns.

i. Ships with critical speeds around the convoy speed and those that possess difficult handling

characteristics should be stationed toward the wings of the convoy at the rear.

j. In circular and random formations, the guide is normally stationed at the center of the formation.

Vice and Rear Commodores should be stationed in positions where they can assist the Commodore

with controlling the convoy.

k. There are no set rules for stationing ships with dangerous cargoes. The stations allocated will

depend upon such factors as:

5B-6

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

APPENDIX 2 TO TOOL 202

Joiner Instructions

References:

a. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

b. OPORD.

c. OPTASK NCAGS.

Definitions:

a. A joiner is an independent merchant ship sailed to join a convoy. Also called “convoy joiner”.

b. A joiner convoy is a convoy sailed to join the main convoy.

c. A joiner section is a joiner or joiner convoy, after rendezvous, and while manoeuvring to inte-

grate with the main convoy.

Tasks:

The following tasks are to be covered by the SCP of the joiner convoy:

(1) Keep close liaison with the main convoy SCP.

(2) Designate the joiner convoy title. Joiners and joiner convoys are given the same title as the

main convoy with the addition of an applicable prefix. A port designator prefix is used to indi-

cate the departure port of a joiner convoy. Dashes will be used to separate prefixes from the main

convoy title. When in the main body of the convoy, joiners assume the designator of the main

convoy.

(3) Provide each ship with sailing and routeing instructions from port or anchorage to the ren-

dezvous position (SOC). For ships at sea use electronic transmissions.

(4) Provide each ship with the main convoy SOC.

(5) Give clear instructions about what action has to be taken if the ship fails the rendezvous.

(6) Provide the Commodore of the joiner convoy with the through route of the main convoy

for use in event of a failure to make the rendezvous.

(7) Provide the SCP of the departure port of the main convoy with the details of the ship(s) in

the joiner convoy required for recognition and station keeping purposes.

b. The following tasks are to be covered by the sailing SCP of the main convoy:

(1)

Pass information to the SCPs of the ports from which the joiner convoys or independents

will sail.

5B-8

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

(2) Provide the SCP with the convoy formation, including which positions joining ships will

occupy. If a circular formation is to be used, call signs are also to be included.

(3) Provide the communication plan and the EMCON plan, including the VHF channel to be

used to effect the rendezvous.

(4) Provide the details of the ships in the main convoy required for recognition and station

keeping purposes.

(5) Provide any special instructions, additional signal groups, or departures from standard

procedures that the Commodore of the main convoy or OTC of the escort forces intends to use.

Responsibilities:

a. The SCP at the departure port or anchorage of the joiner convoy is responsible for the joiner convoy.

b. The SCP at the departure port or anchorage of the main convoy has specific responsibility with

regard to the joiner convoy.

Implementation:

a. Manning. One NCAGS LO and one COMMS operator should be assigned to each ship if necessary.

b. Equipment.

c. Accommodation.

d. Communications.

5B-9

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

APPENDIX 3 TO TOOL 202

Arrangement for Late Availability

References:

a. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

b. OPORD.

c. OPTASK NCAGS.

Purpose. Should a ship become available for a convoy after the main or joiner convoy has

sailed, providing the declared speed of the ship is sufficient to allow the vessel to catch up, the SCP may

order the ship to sail.

Tasks:

a. Advise the NCAGS CDR, the Convoy Commodore and the OTC.

b. Provide the ship with sailing and routeing instructions from port or anchorage to the rendezvous

point (SOC).

c. Provide the ship with the main convoy SOC.

d. Provide the ship with the through route of the main convoy for use in event of a failure to make

the rendezvous.

Responsibility. The SCP at the departure port or anchorage is responsible for sailing the late

available ship.

Implementation:

a. Manning. One NCAGS LO and one COMMS operator should be assigned to each ship if nec-

essary.

b. Related Tools.

5B-11

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

APPENDIX 4 TO TOOL 202

Leaver Instructions

References:

a. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

b. OPORD.

c. OPTASK NCAGS.

Definitions:

a. A leaver is a merchant ship that breaks off from a convoy to proceed to a different destination

and becomes independent. Also called “convoy leaver”.

b. A leaver convoy is a convoy that has broken off from the main convoy and is proceeding to a

different destination.

c. A leaver section is a group of ships forming part of the main convoy which will subsequently

break off to become leavers or a leaver convoy.

Tasks. The following tasks are to be covered by the SCP:

a. Designate the leaver convoy title. Leavers and leaver convoys are given the same title as the

main convoy with the addition of an applicable suffix. A port designator suffix is used to indicate

the immediate destination of a leaver convoy. Dashes will be used to separate suffixes from the

main convoy title. When in the main body of the convoy, leaver sections assume the designator of

the main convoy.

b. Provide each leaver with sailing and routeing instructions from the break-off position to the dis-

persal point (SOC).

c. Provide the leaver section with the leaver formation (SOC).

d. If a leaver convoy splits in two or more parts after leaving the main convoy, the SCP has to sup-

ply SOCs accordingly.

e. The leaver convoy orders must be provided in a sealed envelope.

Responsibility. The SCP at the departure port or anchorage is responsible for the leaver, leaver

convoy and leaver section.

Implementation:

a. Manning. One NCAGS LO and one COMMS operator should be assigned to each ship if nec-

essary.

5B-12

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

APPENDIX 5 TO TOOL 202

Straggler Instructions

References:

a. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

b. OPORD.

c. OPTASK NCAGS.

Definition. A straggler is a ship separated from its convoy by more than five nautical miles,

through inability to keep up, and unable to rejoin before dark, or over 10 nautical miles from its convoy

whether or not it can rejoin before dark.

Purpose. To provide each vessel in the convoy with detailed instructions in case the vessel be-

comes a straggler.

Tasks:

a. Produce a straggler’s route.

b. Advise the ship to proceed at best speed on the straggler’s route.

c. Issue communication plan and EMCON plan.

d. Include any special instructions.

e. Decide whether or not a new position report (SAILNOTE) should be made.

f. Issue the straggler instructions in a sealed envelope to the ships before departure of the convoy.

Responsibilities:

a. The SCP at the departure port or anchorage of the main convoy has to issue the straggler

instructions.

b. The NCAGS CDR shall promulgate information concerning the straggler, the corrected posi-

tion, the SOA and ETA. This information will go to other military commanders concerned, the

NCAGS element at the immediate destination, the ship’s NSA, and the NSA of the country in

which the ship’s final destination lies.

Implementation:

a. Manning. One NCAGS LO and one COMMS operator should be assigned to each ship if

necessary.

5B-14

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

APPENDIX 6 TO TOOL 202

Convoy Communications Instructions and Emission

Control

References:

a. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

b. GMDSS Handbook.

c. OPORD.

d. OPTASK NCAGS.

e. OPTASK COMMS.

Purpose:

a. To provide merchant ships in a convoy with directions and instructions for communication to ef-

fect command and control, to pass data and to disseminate information.

b. To provide instructions for EMCON.

Tasks:

a. Set up watch and radio shift times.

b. Set up schedules and frequencies as in national and international publications.

c. Develop communication plan (COMPLAN) for convoy internal communications (including

Kickplan).

d. Supply EMCON table (including AIS and GMDSS equipment).

e. Set up a list of VHF channels to be used in various situations.

f. Give any special instructions concerning cryptographic material.

Implementation:

a. Manning. One NCAGS LO and one COMMS operator should be assigned to each ship if

necessary.

5B-16

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

APPENDIX 7 TO TOOL 202

Sailing Order Convoys

References:

a. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

b. OPORD.

c. OPTASK NCAGS.

Purpose. To provide each ship in the convoy with all necessary information required for the

conduct of its voyage in the form of a Sailing Order Convoy (SOC).

Tasks:

a. Collect ship’s details.

b. If the ship is in port or at anchorage, provide searched channel instructions if necessary.

c. If the ship is at sea, give SOC/rendezvous instructions by secure means of electronic transmis-

sions, e-mail, etc.

d. Develop underway instructions.

e. Develop convoy formations.

f. Develop entrance instructions.

g. Develop communication instructions.

Task for the convoy commodore: Develop special instructions.

Responsibility. The SCP at the departure port or anchorage will develop and issue the SOC in

co-operation with the appointed Convoy Commodore.

Implementation:

a. Manning. N.A.

5B-18

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

APPENDIX 8 TO TOOL 202

Pre-Sail Briefing

References:

a. ATP 1, Chapter 10.

b. ATP 2(B), Vol. II.

c. OPORD.

d. OPDIRs.

e. OPTASK NCAGS.

f. ASSESREPs.

g. SITREPs.

h. NAVWARNs.

i. METOC.

Purpose. To brief the Master of a ship prior to the sailing of a convoy.

Tasks. The following subjects have to be covered by the NCAGS LO in the briefing:

a. The current situation in the area.

b. Station keeping in the convoy.

c. Procedure to be followed in fog, bad weather, etc.

d. Straggler.

e. Need for lookouts.

f. Answering and obeying signals.

g. Darkening the ship.

h. Disposal of waste materials.

i. Rescue organization.

j. Joiner/leaver.

k. Weapon practice.

l. Familiarization with the SOC.

5B-27

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADP

automatic data processing (AAP-15)

AOI

area of interest (AAP-15)

AOO

area of operations (AAP-15)

AOP

area of probability (AAP-15)

AWNIS

Allied Worldwide Navigational Information System (or Service) (AAP-15)

command and control (AAP-15)

command, control, and communications

command, control, communications, and computers

component commander (NATO) (AAP-15)

CCOI

critical contact of interest

CDS

civil direction of shipping (AAP-15)

CDSORG

Civil Direction of Shipping Organization (AAP-15)

CJTF

combined joint task force (AAP-15)

CMA

civil maritime authorities

commanding officer (AAP-15)

COI

contact of interest (AAP-15)

COMSEC

communications security (AAP-15)

CONOPS

concept of operations (AAP-15)

CONSA

consular shipping advisor (AAP-15)

COP

common operational picture (AAP-15)

CRG

communication reporting gate (AAP-15)

CRO

crisis response operation (AAP-15)

LOAA-1

CHANGE

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP

2(B), VOL. I

CRS

crisis response shipping

DPC

Defence Planning Committee (AAP-15)

DSC

Defence Shipping Council (AAP-15)

DTG

date-time group (AAP-15)

EEZ

exclusive economic zone

EFC

escort force commander

EGC

enhanced group call

ELINT

electronic intelligence (AAP-15)

EMCON

emission control (AAP-15)

ETA

estimated time of arrival (AAP-15)

GMDSS

global maritime distress and safety system (AAP-15)

high frequency

HIT

high interest track/target

HIT B

high interest track/target broadcast

headquarters (AAP-15)

HVU

high-value unit (AAP-15)

IAW

in accordance with

IER

information exchange requirement (AAP-15)

IMO

International Maritime Organization (AAP-15)

IVC

immediately vital cargo (AAP-15)

J-4

logistics directorate of a joint staff

LOAA-2

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

LES

land Earth station

liaison officer (AAP-15)

Military Committee (AAP-15)

MCC

maritime component command(er) (AAP-15)

MCCIS

Maritime Command and Control Information System (AAP-15)

MCM TA

mine countermeasures tasking authority

MERCO

merchant ship reporting and control (message system) (AAP-15)

MERSITREP

merchant vessel situation report

MERSITSUM

merchant vessel situation summary

MIO

maritime interdiction operation (AAP-15)

MIOC

maritime interdiction operations commander

MMSI

maritime mobile service identity

MPS

maritime pre-positioning ship

MSI

maritime safety information

mine warfare (AAP-15)

N-3

Navy component operations staff officer

N-6

Navy component communications staff officer

NAC

North Atlantic Council (AAP-15)

NAVWARNS

navigational warnings

NCAGS

naval cooperation and guidance for shipping (AAP-15)

NCAGS CDR

naval cooperation and guidance for shipping commander

NCAGS LO

naval cooperation and guidance for shipping liaison officer

NCAGSORG

naval cooperation and guidance for shipping organisation

NLO

naval liaison officer (AAP-15)

LOAA-3

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP

2(B), VOL. I

NOTAM

notice to airmen (AAP-15)

NOTMAR

notice to mariners

NSA

national shipping authority (AAP-15)

NSC

NATO Shipping Centre

NSWG

NATO Shipping Working Group

officer commanding (AAP-15)

OiC

officer in charge (AAP-15)

OPDIR

operational directive

OPLAN

operation plan (AAP-15)

OTC

officer in tactical command (AAP-15)

OTH

over-the-horizon (AAP-15)

OTHT

over-the-horizon targeting AAP-15)

PACE

pocket-sized automatic crypto equipment (AAP-15)

PASSEX

exercise arranged with forces on passage

PBIST

Planning Board for Inland Surface Transport

PBOS

Planning Board for Ocean Shipping (AAP-15)

personal computer

PfP

partnership for peace (AAP-15)

PIM

position and intended movement (AAP-15)

POF

possible opposing forces

regional commander

RE/RE

reinforcement/resupply (AAP-15)

REPTOFF

reporting officers

RMP

recognized maritime picture (AAP-15)

LOAA-4

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP

2(B), VOL. I

SAILNOTE

sailing notification

SATCOM

satellite communications (AAP-15)

strategic commander

SCC

surveillance coordination centres

SCEPC

Senior Civil Emergency Planning Committee (AAP-15)

SCP

shipping cooperation point

SHF

super-high frequency

sailing instruction

staff officer

SOC

sailing order convoy

SOLAS

safety of life at sea

SPOD

seaport of debarkation (AAP-15)

SPOE

seaport of embarkation (AAP-15)

SRA

shipping risk area (AAP-15)

STUFT

ships taken up from trade (AAP-15)

SUS

suspect vessels

TF/TG

task force/task group (AAP-15)

TGT

target tracks

UFN

until further notice

UHF

ultrahigh frequency

UKHO

United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

United Nations (AAP-15)

VHF

very high frequency

LOAA-5

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NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

GLOSSARY

Terms and Definitions from AAP-6 are in italics.

accompaniment. In naval cooperation and guidance for shipping, the coordinated passage through

a specific area of increased risk by one or more merchant ships in company with military as-

sets. Accompaniment takes place under a voluntary arrangement and does not imply direct

protection by military assets.

administrative escort. A warship or merchant ship under naval control, carrying a convoy commo-

dore and his staff, serving as a platform for simultaneous communication with an operational

control authority and a coastal convoy.

area of operations. An operational area defined by a joint commander for land or maritime forces to

conduct military activities.

break-off position. The position at which a leaver or leaver section breaks off from the main convoy

to proceed to a different destination.

civil-military cooperation. The coordination and cooperation, in support of the mission, between the

NATO Commander and civil actors, including the national population and local authorities, as

well as international, national and non-governmental organizations and agencies.

coastal convoy. A convoy whose voyage lies in general on the continental shelf and in coastal

waters.

communication reporting gate. A geographical reference point or line at which merchant ships are

required to call the naval cooperation and guidance for shipping organization in order to es-

tablish initial contact or to update previous information.

convoy. A number of merchant ships or naval auxiliaries, or both, usually escorted by warships

and/or aircraft, or a single merchant ship or naval auxiliary under surface escort, assembled

and organized for the purpose of passage together.

convoy assembly port. A port from which convoys sail.

convoy commodore. A naval officer, or master of one of the ships in a convoy, designated to com-

mand the convoy, subject to the orders of the officer in tactical command. If no surface escort

is present, he takes entire command.

convoy dispersal point. The position at sea where a convoy breaks up, each ship proceeding inde-

pendently thereafter.

convoy route. The specific route assigned to each convoy by the appropriate routing authority.

Glossary-1

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

convoy schedule. Planned convoy sailings showing the shipping lanes, assembly, and terminal ar-

eas, scheduled speed, and sailing interval.

convoy speed. For ships, the speed which the convoy commodore orders the guide of the convoy to

make good through the water.

convoy title. A combination of letters and numbers that gives the port of departure and arrival,

speed, and serial number of each convoy.

crisis response shipping. All shipping employed in support of allied military operations, including ships

taken up from trade, chartered shipping and, when appropriate, national prepositioned ships.

declared speed. The continuous speed which a master declares his ship can maintain on a forthcom-

ing voyage under moderate weather conditions having due regard to her present condition.

designated merchant ship. A merchant ship with a special status that may give it priority over other

ships for higher level naval cooperation and guidance for shipping activities and, when it is

placed under the naval supervision of merchant ships, compels it to comply with military

orders.

dispersal. In maritime operations, the reduction of the concentration of ships by reberthing within a

port area or at working or holding anchorage in the vicinity.

emergency movement. In naval cooperation and guidance for shipping, the execution of diversion,

port evacuation, area evacuation and subsequent movements in order to preserve ships and

cargoes when attack is imminent.

emission control. Selective control of emitted electromagnetic or acoustic energy. The aim may be

twofold: a. to minimize the enemy’s detection of emissions and exploitation of the information

so gained; b. to reduce electromagnetic interference thereby improving friendly sensor

performance.

escort. A combatant unit(s) assigned to accompany and protect another force or convoy.

final destination. In naval control of shipping, the final destination of a convoy or of an individual

ship (whether in convoy or independent) irrespective of whether or not routing instructions

have been issued.

immediate destination. The next destination of a ship or convoy, irrespective of whether or not on-

ward routing instructions have been issued to it.

immediately vital cargo. A cargo already loaded which the consignee country regards as immedi-

ately vital for the prosecution of the war or for national survival, notwithstanding the risk to

the ship. If the cargo is carried in a ship of another nation, then that nation must agree to the

delivery of the cargo. The use of this term is limited to the period of implementation of the

shipping movement policy.

Glossary-2

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

independent. During naval supervision of merchant ships, a merchant ship sailed singly and unes-

corted by a warship.

joiner. An independent merchant ship sailed to join a convoy.

joiner convoy. A convoy sailed to join the main convoy.

joiner section. A joiner or joiner convoy, after rendezvous, and while manoeuvring to integrate with

the main convoy.

lead-through operation. An operation conducted to minimise the risk to ships transiting mined areas,

and to facilitate the liaison between these ships and the on-scene mine countermeasures forces

for safe navigation. (MTP-6)

leaver. A merchant ship which breaks off from a convoy to proceed to a different destination and be-

comes independent.

leaver convoy. A convoy which has broken off from the main convoy and is proceeding to a different

destination.

leaver section. A group of ships forming part of the main convoy which will subsequently break off to

become leavers or a leaver convoy.

main convoy. The convoy as a whole which sails from the convoy assembly port/anchorage to its des-

tination, It may be supplemented by joiners or joiner convoys, and leavers or leaver convoys

may break off.

maritime interdiction operation. An operation conducted to enforce prohibition on the maritime

movement of specified persons or material within a defined geographic area.

merchant ship. A vessel engaged in mercantile trade except river craft, estuarial craft, or craft which

operate solely within harbour limits.

merchant ship communication system. A worldwide system of communication to and from mer-

chant ships using the peacetime commercial organization as a basis but under an operational

control authority, with the ability to employ the broadcast mode to ships when the situation

makes radio silence necessary.

merchant shipping. In naval cooperation and guidance for shipping, the complete commercial mari-

time industry, including the fishing industry.

national shipping authority. The organization within each Allied government responsible in time of

war for the direction of its own merchant shipping.

Glossary-3

CHANGE 1

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

naval cooperation and guidance for shipping. The provision of NATO military cooperation, guid-

ance, advice, assistance and supervision to merchant shipping to enhance the safety of partici-

pating merchant ships and to support military operations.

naval cooperation and guidance for shipping area. A geographical area within which the naval

co-operation and guidance for shipping organisation conducts naval co-operation and guidance

for shipping activities. The objective of such an area is to maximise co-operation between mili-

tary commanders and merchant shipping.

naval cooperation and guidance for shipping commander. The officer assigned to command the

naval co-operation and guidance for shipping (NCAGS) organisation. He will plan and execute

NCAGS and promulgate the OPTASK NCAGS.

naval cooperation and guidance for shipping liaison officer. An officer deployed by the naval

co-operation and guidance for shipping (NCAGS) commander aboard a merchant ship to pro-

vide liaison outside the direct military chain of command. For liaison officers deployed to mer-

chant ships, their position on board does not affect the master’s responsibility for the safe

navigation and safe handling of the ship. The NCAGS liaison officer makes military knowl-

edge available to the master to allow him to understand the naval and military requirements

that are applicable.

naval cooperation and guidance for shipping unit. A team of naval co-operation and guidance for

shipping (NCAGS) personnel, deployed ashore or afloat, to provide specific local NCAGS ser-

vices including gathering local merchant shipping information, providing guidance to merchant

ships and co-operating with and advising local merchant shipping.

naval supervision of merchant ships. In naval cooperation and guidance for shipping, the manda-

tory routeing of merchant ships, control of their movements and/or convoy organization by na-

val authorities.

ocean convoy. A convoy whose voyage lies, in general, outside the continental shelf.

participating merchant ship. A merchant ship taking part in a naval cooperation and guidance for

shipping operation.

port designator. A group of letters identifying ports in convoy titles or messages.

protection of merchant ships. The employment of military forces or procedures to prevent or defend

against offensive actions directed at merchant ships.

sailing instruction. A document used by naval co-operation and guidance for shipping to inform mer-

chant vessels of the general situation in the operation area, route to follow through the area and

special instructions regarding communications, emission control, notification of diversion, etc.

It may be delivered by e-mail, fax or by hand by a briefing officer depending on the situation

and content.

Glossary-4

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ATP 2(B), VOL. I

shipping cooperation point. A location where naval cooperation and guidance for shipping staff

gather and disseminate information on local merchant ships and naval operations and provide

the means to brief merchant shipping on risks, routeing and protective measures.

shipping movement policy. The policy for the movement of merchant ships in the early days of war

laid down in Military Committee documents.

shipping risk area. A geographic area of higher or specific risk to merchant ships. Guidance will be

provided to participating merchant ships to help them understand the nature and extent of the

risk in the area and, if applicable, to recommended specific routes through the area.

staff officer naval cooperation and guidance for shipping. An officer who augments military staffs

to provide expertise and advice to the command on naval co-operation and guidance for ship-

ping matters as they affect the planning and execution of operations.

standard route. In naval cooperation and guidance for shipping, a preplanned single track

connecting positions within the main shipping route.

straggler. A ship separated from its convoy by more than 5 nautical miles, through inability to keep

up, and unable to rejoin before dark, or over 10 nautical miles from its convoy whether or not

it can rejoin before dark.

Glossary-5

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. I

INDEX

Page No.

Change instructions for structured messages

5A-9

Civil-military interface

3-4

Command and control

Chapter 2

Command relationships

2-1

Command structure

2-1

Communications

Chapter 4

Components of merchant shipping

1A-1

Concept of NCAGS

Chapter 1

Concept of operations

1-1

Crisis response shipping

3-5

Elements of the NCAGS organisation

1-3

Factors affecting the requirements for NCAGS

2-1

Fishing vessels

3-6

Fishing Vessels in NCAGS Operations

3E-1

Format Alfa

5A-18

NATO shipping centre

3A-1

Naval Supervision of Merchant Ships

1-2

NCAGS

concepts

Chapter 1

in crisis response operations

3B-1

in maritime interdiction operations

3C-1

operations

Chapter 3

OPTASK

5A-3

procedures

3-3

toolbox

Chapter 5

tools

5-1

100 Series

Chapter 5

200 Series

Chapter 5

OPTASK NCAGS

5A-3

Peacetime planning for merchant shipping

1-3

Principal benefits to

merchant shipping

1-4

the military commander

1-4

Recognised maritime picture

3D-1

Sailing instruction format

5A-35

Index-1

CHANGE 1

NATO-UNCLASSIFIED

ATP 2(B), VOL. II

March 2007

PUBLICATION NOTICE

ROUTING

1. ATP-2(B), VOLUME II, NAVAL CO-OPERATION AND GUIDANCE FOR

SHIPPING MANUAL (NCAGS) GUIDE TO OWNERS, OPERATORS,

MASTERS AND OFFICERS, is available in the Navy Warfare Library. It is ef-

fective upon receipt.

2. This multinational manual provides guidance and doctrine for the provision of

NCAGS support throughout the spectrum of military operations.

Navy Warfare Library Custodian

Navy Warfare Library publications must be made

readily available to all users and other interested

personnel within the U.S. Navy.

Note to Navy Warfare Library Custodian

This notice will assist you in providing information to cognizant personnel. It is not accountable.

IIa

ORIGINAL

ATP 2(B), VOL. II

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

No.

CHAPTER 1 — GENERAL INFORMATION

0101

Introduction

1-1

0102

Purpose and Scope

1-1

0103

Benefits of NCAGS

1-1

0104

Background

1-2

0105

Mission of NCAGS

1-2

0106

Application of NCAGS

1-3

0107

Concept

1-3

0108

Strategic Planning for Merchant Shipping

1-4

CHAPTER 2 — NCAGS OPERATIONS

0201

Definitions

2-1

0202

NCAGS Organisation

2-2

0203

Conduct of NCAGS

2-3

0204

NCAGS Forms

2-5

0205

Actions

2-5

0206

Merchant Shipping Participation in Military Exercises

2-6

ANNEX A — THE NATO SHIPPING CENTRE

ANNEX B — NCAGS INFORMATION FORMS

ANNEX C — ROUTEING/PASSAGE PLANS AND AMENDMENTS

CHAPTER 3 — COMMUNICATIONS

0301

Purpose

3-1

0302

Scope

3-1

0303

Military Points of Contact

3-1

0304

Communications Reporting Gate

3-1

0305

Messages to Merchant Ships

3-1

ANNEX A — MESSAGE TYPES

CHAPTER 4 — PROCEDURAL GUIDANCE FOR SHIPS AT SEA

0401

General Responsibilities of The Master

4-1

0402

Sensitive Documents and Equipment

4-1

0403

Emission Control (EMCON) Policy and Plans

4-1

0404

Helicopter Transfer

4-2

0405

Heaving Line/Gun Line Transfer

4-3

ORIGINAL

ATP 2(B), Vol. II

CHAPTER 1

General Information

0101 Introduction

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) review of its policy for operations involving

merchant shipping has led to the development of Naval Co-operation and Guidance for Shipping

(NCAGS).

0102 Purpose and Scope

To provide information to Ship Owners, Operators, Masters and Officers regarding the interaction

between Naval forces and commercial shipping. In particular, this publication serves as a handbook

for the world-wide application of NCAGS principles and procedures that exist to enhance the safety of

shipping in times of tension, crisis, or conflict.

a. Where necessary, the lead responsibility for the implementation of NCAGS will be as

follows:

(1) In the Area of Operations (AOO): The Military Commander (MC).

(2) In NATO countries and their overseas territories: The nation concerned.

(3) In all other areas: One NATO nation is to assume responsibility on behalf of NATO, as

agreed among members, for planning operations outside the NATO area.

b. A lower level of NCAGS procedures (eg picture compilation) may be activated before the

implementation of an NCAGS operation, either by NATO or nations involved.

0103 Benefits of NCAGS

To Merchant Shipping. NCAGS can provide the following principal benefits to merchant

shipping when co-operating with the military:

• Enhanced safety and security.

• Reduced delays when transiting through military areas of operation.

• Continued operation of commercial maritime transport system.

• Improved threat response.

• Enhanced understanding of military constraints.

• Potential for reduced war-risk premiums.

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ORIGINAL

ATP 2(B), Vol. II

To the Military Commander. NCAGS can provide the following principal benefits to the

military:

• A more comprehensive picture of merchant shipping activity, movements and positions.

• Reduced interference between commercial shipping and military operations

(deconfliction).

• Enhanced safety and security.

• Improved effectiveness of military operations.

• Enhanced understanding of commercial shipping constraints.

• Improved counter-terrorism capability.

0104 Background

Maritime trade is a fundamental strategic interest to nations and their economic well-being depends on

freedom of movement on the seas. Military operations at sea will frequently involve, or have some

impact, on merchant shipping and likewise merchant shipping may affect military operations. Co-

operation between the military and commercial shipping can minimise delays and afford protection to

merchant ships when transiting through maritime areas of operation.

0105 Mission of NCAGS

To provide NCAGS support to military commanders and merchant shipping in peacetime, tension,

crisis and conflict through co-operation, guidance, advice, assistance and, where necessary,

supervision. Additionally, to provide military guidance, advice or assistance in respect of participating

nations’ global, maritime commercial interests to enhance the safety of merchant vessels and to

support military operations.

1-2

ORIGINAL

ATP 2(B), Vol. II

Naval Supervision

NCAGS

NCAGS Organisation

Activity

Strategic,

Operational

Planning

NATO

Shipping Centre

Peacetime --------- Tension ------------- Crisis ------------------

Crisis Level

Figure 1-1. Naval Co-operation and Guidance for Shipping

0106 Application of NCAGS

The NCAGS organisation (NCAGSORG) can support and participate in a broad range of military

operations. These include but are not limited to:

a. Operations relating to the safety, security and enhanced protection of merchant ships.

b. Crisis Response Operations (CRO).

c. Operations to support homeland defence and security tasks and maritime anti-terrorism.

0107 Concept

NCAGS promotes co-operation between military and civil maritime authorities and agencies

and the commercial shipping industry.

Merchant ships can participate in NCAGS activities on a voluntary basis as guided by their

National Shipping Authorities (NSA), owners, operators or charterers.

Masters will be asked to provide basic information concerning their ship, cargo and voyage

details. This information will be assessed to produce an accurate shipping picture, which is critical to

the accomplishment of the NCAGS mission. In times of increased tension or conflict, additional

information may be requested. The commercial sensitivity of the information supplied by the

merchant shipping community will be respected and protected.

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ATP 2(B), Vol. II

The NCAGSORG will in turn ensure that appropriate military authorities are advised of these

details for monitoring during the voyage. If deemed necessary, the NCAGSORG will provide the

Merchant Master with up-to-date information concerning the situation and specific information on the

voyage. This information can range from basic situation briefs to the provision of recommended

routes and escort instructions. Specific details of these activities and the sharing of information are

contained in Chapter 2.

Under normal circumstances, a military commander will not alter the destination of a merchant

ship without the approval of the ship’s owner, operator, Master or flag state. The military commander

may, however, advise a diversion from a ship’s planned route as necessary for safety or operational

reasons.

Safe passage responsibility remains with the Master.

Examples of areas of mutual interest between the military and the Merchant Shipping

community:

a. The Military may be tasked to protect Merchant Shipping against military or terrorist

threats.

b. Nations and the Merchant Shipping community have a vested interest in ensuring that

maritime trade is upheld to support the economy.

c. It is in the interest of both military and Merchant Shipping to be able to identify bona fide

shipping, to minimise interference with such ships, and to be able to focus on those ships that

do not comply with international law or UN Security Council resolutions and conventions.

d. Military regularly charters Merchant Ships to carry equipment and supplies in connection

with deployment of forces.

e. During operations to prevent conflicts or in connection with peacekeeping after a conflict,

maritime trade contributes to the stabilisation of a region, while this represents business

opportunities for the Merchant Shipping industry.

Humanitarian Operations.

0108 Strategic Planning for Merchant Shipping

The Planning Board for Ocean Shipping (PBOS) co-operates closely with both the NCAGSORG and

merchant shipping under the guidance of the NATO Senior Civil Emergency Planning Committee

(SCEPC). PBOS is responsible for developing and maintaining plans for civil shipping support to the

Alliance in crisis and war, including planning for acquiring the civil shipping resources necessary to

meet military sealift requirements. PBOS maintains a cadre of civil shipping experts from industry to

support NATO crisis management arrangements. PBOS also works closely with Partnership for Peace

(PfP) nations. Each nation is responsible for its own emergency planning for merchant ships including

national control and direction during crisis.

1-4

ORIGINAL

ATP 2(B), Vol. II

CHAPTER 2

NCAGS Operations

0201 Definitions

The definitions and descriptions given below are not exhaustive, but include those required in

order to conduct NCAGS operations (see List of Acronyms and Glossary).

a. Naval Co-operation and Guidance For Shipping (NCAGS). The provision of

NATO military co-operation, guidance, advice, assistance and supervision to merchant shipping

to enhance the safety of participating merchant ships and to support military operations.

b. Merchant Shipping. For the purposes of NCAGS, merchant shipping includes the

complete commercial maritime industry, including the fishing industry.

c. Participating Merchant Ships. Any merchant ships, including fishing vessels, which

by the submission of the appropriate proforma, are participating in a NCAGS operation.

d. Designated Merchant Ships. Merchant ships nominated as ‘designated’ by NATO

through their NSA. These ships may have priority over other ships for higher level NCAGS

activities and under Naval Supervision of Merchant Ships will comply with military orders. On

request, the North Atlantic Council (NAC)/Defence Planning Committee (DPC)¹ may allow

non-NATO nations to nominate ships.

e. Crisis Response Shipping. All shipping employed in support of allied military

operations, including ships taken up from trade, chartered shipping and, when appropriate,

national pre-positioned ships.

f. Naval Supervision of Merchant Ships. The ultimate response of NCAGS exercised

by naval authorities of mandatory routeing, control of movement and/or convoy organisation.

Naval Supervision of Merchant Ships will be implemented only with NAC/DPC approval.

g. NCAGS Area. A geographical area within which the NCAGS organisation conducts

NCAGS activities. The objective of such an area is to maximise the co-operation between MCs

and merchant shipping.

h. Communication Reporting Gates (CRG). A geographical reference point/line at

which merchant ships are to call the NCAGSORG in order to establish initial contact or to

update previous information. The CRG allows the MC timely information about merchant

ships approaching the Area of Operation (AOO).

i. Shipping Risk Area (SRA). A geographical area of higher or specific risk to merchant

ships. Guidance will be provided to participating merchant ships to help them understand the

nature and extent of the risk in the area and, if applicable, to recommend specific routes through

the area.

¹ The NAC/DPC represents the highest political level in NATO.

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ORIGINAL

ATP 2(B), Vol. II

0202 NCAGS Organisation

Overview. The NCAGSORG supports two distinct entities: the military commander and the

merchant shipping community. Therefore it supports both military operations and enhances the safety

of merchant ships, while keeping mutual interference to a minimum.

Elements of the NCAGSORG. The NCAGSORG is flexible in order to meet the needs of

the military commander and merchant shipping. It may comprise some or all of the following

elements tailored to suit the situation depending on the level of NCAGS support required.

a. NCAGS Commander (NCAGS CDR). The Officer assigned to command the NCAGS

organisation. The NCAGS CDR is typically also the commander of the naval force.

b. NATO Shipping Centre (NSC). A permanent organisation in the NATO headquarters at

Northwood (GBR) tasked with establishing and maintaining links with the military, merchant

shipping, NSAs and international maritime agencies. The detailed tasks of the NSC are

described in Annex 2A.

c. Shipping Co-operation Point (SCP). The location where NCAGS staff will gather

information on local merchant shipping and naval operations and will provide the means to

brief merchant shipping on risks, routeing and organisation for protection. The SCP will,

depending on the level of an operation, encompass co-ordination, co-operation or, when Naval

Supervision of Merchant Ships is authorised, control. The location of SCPs will be at the

discretion of the NCAGS CDR and can be ashore or afloat. The SCP liaises with local and

regional authorities including port authorities, shipping agents, and local shipping companies

and reports ship movements to other elements of the NCAGSORG.

d. NCAGS Unit. A team of NCAGS personnel, deployed ashore or afloat, to provide specific

local NCAGS services including the gathering of local merchant shipping information,

providing guidance to merchant ships and co-operating with and advising local merchant

shipping.

e. NCAGS Liaison Officer (NCAGS LO). An officer deployed aboard a merchant ship to

provide liaison between the merchant ship Master and military authorities. The NCAGS LO is

the naval advisor to the merchant Master. His position on board does not affect the Master’s

responsibilities for the safe navigation and safe handling of the ship. The NCAGS LO makes

military knowledge available to the Master to allow the Master to understand the naval and

military requirements that are applicable. This may include any or all of the following:

(1) Brief and inform on the situation.

(2) Explain and interpret information contained in Sailing Instructions (see Annex 2B).

(3) Collect and disseminate ship’s data, voyage intention, and information of interest.

(4) Check, monitor and report on equipment and publications of interest.

(5) Assist ship’s Master and Officers in tactical communications and manoeuvering

procedures as necessary.

(6) Provide relevant information to naval authorities on operations in the area.

(7) Act as an interpreter of military language and expressions.

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ORIGINAL

ATP 2(B), Vol. II

(8) Allow for secure exchange of classified information.

(9) Debrief the Master at the end of each voyage.

Principal NCAGS Capabilities

a. Enhanced Safety of Merchant Ships. NCAGS provides military information and

advice to merchant shipping to enhance the safety of merchant ships during military operations.

b. Deconfliction. Deconfliction prevents merchant shipping traffic from conflicting or

interfering with an operational mission. Adjustments can be made to naval forces activity and

merchant shipping movement as necessary to minimise mutual interference.

c. Civil/Military Interface. The NCAGSORG provides information on merchant shipping

to the MC. It acts as the liaison between merchant shipping and the military and will establish

reporting requirements.

d. Ship Data Compilation. The NCAGSORG maintains and monitors a database of

shipping information, such as, position, course, speed and destination.

0203 Conduct of NCAGS

The NCAGS functions utilised in any particular operation will be determined by the level of risk,

threat and military operational requirements but will also focus on the safety of merchant ships in the

area. The functions include, but are not limited to:

a. Guidance to Merchant Ships. Guidance will be provided to participating merchant

ships to help them understand the nature and extent of the risk in the area. The acceptance of

guidance is purely voluntary and intended to allow merchant ships to determine their own

voyage.

b. Guidance to Fishing Vessels

(1) The presence of fishing vessels in an MC’s AOO may complicate the tactical situation

such that the MC will wish to have some degree of oversight of them. Fishing grounds and

access to them will be kept open whenever operational circumstances permit.

(2) The NCAGSORG will provide information concerning fishing in the AOO that will

include the whereabouts of fishing grounds, numbers and types of fishing vessels, locations

and type of fixed fishing gear.

(3) Fishing vessels may take part in the NCAGS operation voluntarily as Participating

Ships, or they may be designated by nations in the same way as other merchant ships.

c. Merchant Ship Movements. The monitoring of regular updates of merchant ship

movements is critical to provide an accurate shipping picture and this has the potential to reduce

the threat risk to participating merchant ships. It is of the utmost importance that merchant ships

make every effort to update position and movement information as requested by the

NCAGSORG.

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ORIGINAL

ATP 2(B), Vol. II

d. Protection of Merchant Ships. The employment of military forces or procedures to

prevent or defend against offensive actions directed at merchant ships.

(1) Accompaniment. A voluntary arrangement in which merchant ships may be

organised for passage through a specific area of increased risk in company with military

assets.

Details will be promulgated via navigational warning

(NAVWARN).

Accompaniment does not imply direct protection by military assets; however, the presence

of military assets may act as a deterrent to any unlawful interference to merchant ships.

(2) Lead-through. Lead-through is designed to minimise the risk to merchant ships

transiting mined areas, and to facilitate the liaison between these ships, and the on-scene

Mine Countermeasures Commander (MCM) for safe navigation purposes. Details will be

promulgated via NAVWARNS. NCAGS can recommend and facilitate the organisation of

lead-through operations for merchant ships.

(3) Escort. A combatant unit assigned to accompany and protect another force or convoy.

(4) Convoy. NCAGS can recommend and facilitate convoy operations for merchant

shipping. The purpose of convoy operations is to escort and to protect merchant ships by

means of military assets through a specific area with higher risk due to unlawful

interference. The safe passage of a convoy depends on the organisation before sailing, the

management and control at sea and the skilful handling of each ship while in convoy. Ships

in convoy sail under military command. Merchant ships under naval supervision have to

follow the orders of the Convoy Commodore, other merchant ships cannot be forced to take

part in a convoy organisation, but they can be integrated on a voluntary basis. Masters are

at all times responsible for the crew, safe navigation and handling of their ship. Details will

be promulgated via NAVWARN.

e. Dispersal and Emergency Movement of Merchant Ships. The procedures outlined

are conducted in association with Civil Emergency Plans

(CEP) produced by national

authorities. On these occasions all ships, whether participating or not, will be involved. The

NCAGSORG can be used to both assist and facilitate nations’ CEPs.

(1) Dispersal. The re-berthing of ships within a port area or working/holding anchorages

in the vicinity. Dispersal may be ordered when it is considered that the concentration of

ships raises the likely hood of major attack. Dispersal can be ordered in a port or area by

military or national authorities, as required by the threat level. Port Authorities will carry

out this action with possible military assistance.

(2) Emergency Movement. The execution of Diversion, Port Evacuation, Area

Evacuation and subsequent movements in order to preserve hulls and cargoes when attack

in a port or area is imminent. The majority of these movements are based on national CEPs,

although military commanders can order any element if the risk assessment is considered to

be high.

(3) Immediately Vital Cargo (IVC).

(a) Definition. A cargo already loaded, which the consignee country regards as

immediately vital for the prosecution of the major conflict or for national survival,

notwithstanding the risk to the ship. If the cargo is carried in a ship of another nation,

then that nation must agree to the delivery of the cargo. The use of this term is limited

to the period of implementation of the shipping movement policy.

(b) Declaration of IVCs. Nations will declare IVCs through their National Shipping

Authorities.

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0204 NCAGS Forms

Format Alfa is the principal means by which merchant ship data is collected for use by the

NCAGSORG.

Sailing Instructions (SI) are issued to all ships transiting a SRA.

Further information on these forms is contained at Annex 2B.

0205 Actions

Nations.

a. Nomination of Designated Ships. Nations who wish to nominate ships as

‘Designated’ will supply the MC, via their NSA (or equivalent) with a list of ships and their

International Maritime Organization (IMO) number. Designated Ships may include national

ships, those from dependent territories, and named ships assessed as being of economic benefit

to that nation.

b. National Co-operation and Co-ordination. Nations should ensure close co-operation

and co-ordination between civilian and military authorities and provide adequate

communication facilities with merchant ships for emergency purposes. In particular, nations

should encourage a close working arrangement between government, shipping companies, port

authorities, other appropriate maritime organisations and the NSC. Arrangements should be

made for the speedy interchange of vital information concerning movements of national

shipping, harassment or hostile actions.

Operators and Shipping Companies. To avoid confusion in a period of tension or crisis,

or in the early days of conflict, clear advice should be issued in peacetime to Masters of national

participating and/or designated merchant ships. There must be no doubt regarding the actions to be

taken by Masters and sources from which they may expect guidance or instructions. Such guidance

and instructions are to be issued and updated regularly by shipping companies as received from

national authorities.

Masters.

a. Send reports of Position and Intended Movement (PIM) according to instructions received

from the Owner or Operator.

b. Comply with guidance provided by the NCAGSORG, giving due consideration to owner

instruction, and maintaining due diligence and safety.

Military Commander.

a. Pass relevant information to merchant ships in the AOO, via the NCAGSORG.

b. If required, establish advisory routes for merchant ships in the AOO (see Annex 2C).

c. If required, organise and enhance protection in the AOO.

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ANNEX 2A

The NATO Shipping Centre

Aim. The aim of the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) is to provide improved information

exchange on merchant shipping, and facilitate increased voluntary co-operation between military

commanders and commercial shipping operators.

Mission. The NSC will collect and process merchant shipping information, develop a surface

picture of shipping in areas of interest, support military operational requirements, and advise shipping

on the evolving situation.

Capability.

a. Permanently established, the NSC will provide information on merchant ships to Military

Commanders, merchant shipping and the NCAGSORG, as required.

b. The NSC can support both NATO and multi-national worldwide operations.

c. The NSC is designated as NATO’s point of contact for merchant shipping and institutions,

such as NSAs, Ministries of Transport (MOT) and other maritime authorities.

Shipping Data.

a. Information held by the NSC includes both fixed data (eg dimensions) and variable data (ie

voyage details).

b. Any commercially sensitive data obtained by the NSC or by NCAGS will be appropriately

protected.

Tasks.

a. The NSC will:

(1) Collect and process merchant shipping data.

(2) Advise military and civil authorities of potential risks to merchant shipping.

(3) Identify possible interference with maritime operations and exercises.

(4) Maintain an Internet site containing information on security related matters.

b. On activation of NCAGS procedures the NSC will support the following tasks:

(1) Advise authorities and companies of risks. Identify possible interference with maritime

operations and request their co-operation for the establishment of the shipping plot.

(2) Supply information on merchant shipping to MCs and civil authorities.

(3) Provide information and warnings to merchant ships.

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NATO ANTI–PIRACY MULTINATIONAL DOCTRINE (2008) - page 2