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62 AUSTRALIAN MARITIME ISSUES 2006: SPC-A ANNUAL
ARTICLE VIII
COORDINATION BETWEEN OCAS
All OCAs, both ANZAM and US may deal directly with each other on matters pertaining
to the functions for which this agreement has been established (see Article IV above).
When doing so, they should keep their superior commanders informed.
Mutual Support
Adjacent OCAs may provide assistance, one to another, if asked to do so, to the extent
that circumstances permit. Requests for such assistance should be addressed, for
information, where appropriate, to CINCPACFLT and ANZAM Headquarters.
Such requests will only be made to meet a special emergency, and as a temporary
expedient.
Through Escorts
The decision to provide a through escort will rest with the OCA originating a convoy or
his superior commander. When a through escort is provided it should be “chopped” to
succeeding OCAs en route but should not be employed by them for any other purpose,
except in grave emergency. Arrangements for the return of a through escort will be
a matter for agreement between the OCA originating the convoy and the OCA at the
destination.
Convoy Commodores
It will be the responsibility of the OCA originating a convoy to provide or designate
the Convoy Commodore, Vice-Commodore and Rear-Commodore, and to provide them
with staffs.
The employment of Commodores and their staffs at the end of voyages which terminate
in ports outside their own national OCA areas shall be by agreement between the
OCA at the port of arrival and the OCA of the area in which the Commodore originally
embarked.
Whenever possible, Commodores and their staffs should be embarked for duty in
returning convoys.
Tactical Doctrine
The conduct of tactical operations will be in accordance with ATP–1 Series.
Shipping Control
The conduct of naval control of shipping operations will be in accordance with ATP–2
Series.