VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
SECTION II — RULES FOR MANEUVERING
2200 PRINCIPAL RULES FOR MANEUVERING
A summary of principal rules for maneuvering is provided in ATP 1, Vol. II.
2201 UNIT OF DISTANCE
The nautical mile (approximately equal to the data mile, i.e., 2,000 yards) is the unit of distance. In
circular formations, 1,000 yards is the unit of distance for circle spacing, unless otherwise ordered.
2202 DISTANCE AND INTERVAL
a. Standard Distance. The distance between adjacent ships in a line is measured between
foremasts, or between navigation bridges of ships without foremasts. For the sake of uniformity, the
standard distance between two adjacent ships when formed in a line will be 1,000 yards between large
ships (ships over 450 feet in length) and 500 yards between small ships (ships 450 feet long or less) and
submarines, unless otherwise ordered. The distance between a large ship and a small ship or submarine will
be 1,000 yards or the distance ordered for the large ship. (See Figure 2-3.)
b. Maneuvering Interval. The interval between line guides will be the sum of the standard or
ordered distances of the longest line, plus the longest single distance in any one line. (See Figure 2-3.)
c. Extended Maneuvering Interval. Unless otherwise ordered, extended maneuvering
interval, which allows for station-keeping errors, will be maneuvering interval plus 500 yards.
2203 STANDARD AND REDUCED TACTICAL DIAMETER
a. Tactical Diameter. Figure 2-4 illustrates the turning distances for a ship on a turning circle
using a constant rudder angle. Tactical diameter is the transfer for a turn of 180°.
b. Size of Diameter. When ships of dissimilar type/size maneuver in the same formation, tactical
diameters will be as follows:
Tactical Diameter
Type/Size Standard Reduced
(yards)
(yards)
Carrier present. ....................... 2,500 1,500
More than one cruiser or large ship present;
logistic or large amphibious ship present. ......... 1,200 1,000
Only one cruiser or large ship present ........... 1,000 800
Only small ships and submarines present .......... 800 600
NOTE
Reduced tactical diameter will be used for turns of unspecified amount and emergency turns.
c. Changing Size of Diameter. A type or unit commander may, however, order a different
standard tactical diameter or a different reduced tactical diameter for his ships.
2-14 ORIGINAL