VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

intentions, and for rendezvous purposes. It is particularly important to keep all units in a dispersed
formation informed of PIM.
b. Signal. The OTC shall signal PIM as follows: position — time of position — course — speed
— period in hours (if required) for which course and speed are in force. If, during the period, several
changes of course and speed will be in effect, course, speed, and period in force should be repeated as
necessary for each change. The OTC shall signal PIM to detached units, or those about to be detached,
which are scheduled to rejoin later, in sufficient time to permit these units to take suitable action. PIM is
normally signaled one hour prior to flight operations. EMCON permitting, the OTC must advise his area
commander and maritime headquarters of the force’s PIM.
c. PIM of Independent Unit. Commanders of units acting independently may establish their
own PIMs.
d. When Position of Force Differs From PIM. After PIM has been issued, unforeseen
circumstances may cause the position of the force to differ from PIM. For example, a new operational
requirement or a shift in the wind may affect the course and/or speed made good by a carrier force. Under
such circumstances, the OTC will issue a new PIM.
e. Task Group PIM. Signaling the PIM assists aircraft and ships to return to the force after
operating beyond visibility distance. Ordinarily PIM is signaled by the OTC at least one hour before
aircraft are launched. As soon as it is known, PIM is to be promulgated for flight planning purposes; in any
case, it must be furnished to pilots before takeoff.
2123 ENDURANCE
Endurance is normally the hours fuel will last at indicated speed.
2124 — 2129 SPARE
2130 ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
2131 REPORTING TIME OF ARRIVAL
The local authority is to be previously informed of the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the unit
wishing to enter harbor. Ships should not enter harbor until permission is granted.
2132 ENTRY INTERVALS
The number and types of the ships entering harbor may be such that the situation is complex. In this
event, signals are provided to specify the sequence in which units are to enter and whether the units are to
be separated by time or distance intervals. To allow time for berthing, these intervals should normally be
greater than those for the same ships when leaving harbor.
2133 ANCHORING IN FORMATION
When ships are to anchor in formation they will be conducted to the anchorage by the formation
commander. Accurate station-keeping is particularly necessary.
2134 BERTH NUMBERS
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
Ships proceeding independently to assigned berths, or shifting berths in a harbor or anchorage
where berths have been established, are to hoist the numbers of the berths to which they are proceeding.
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