VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
KNOTS MINUTES RATE
CHANGE OF
SPEED
TIME
REQUIRED
FOR
CHANGE
TOTAL
ELAPSED
TIME
KNOTS
PER
MINUTE
FROM
ZERO
15
19
24
29
31
TO
SLOWER FASTER
33
30
29
27
23
20
18
15
15
19
24
29
31
33
30
29
27
23
20
18
15
ZERO
3
2
5
10
6
8
71/2
2
3
4
2
1
1
3
3
5
10
20
26
34
71/2
91/2
12 1/2
16 1/2
18 1/2
19 1/2
20 1/2
23 1/2
5
2
1
1/2
1/3
1/4
2/5
1/2
2/3
1
11/2
2
3
5
Figure 2-5. Acceleration-Deceleration
c. Establishing Station Speed. The use of a speed slower than operational speed normally
enables changes of station to be completed within an acceptable time. This speed, known as stationing
speed, should be previously established, either by signal or in operation orders, particularly when
substantial economy of fuel will result. Ordering stationing speed does not restrict the OTC from signaling
any speed up to operational speed.
d. Speed When Taking or Changing Station. When a unit being maneuvered in formation
by its unit commander needs to increase speed to take or change station, the speed ordered for that unit is
normally to be one knot less than stationing speed. Ships needing to increase speed when taking or
changing station independently should normally proceed at stationing speed.
e. Change in Signaled Speed. When the speed of the Guide is changed by signal during a
maneuver involving units taking station on the Guide, ships in the unit being maneuvered are not to change
to the Guide’s new speed until so ordered by their unit commanders.
f. Rough Weather. In rough weather, commanding officers are to report to their unit commander
the inability to maintain the signaled speed without damage and are authorized to reduce speed as
necessary.
2206 SPEED FLAGS
In order to facilitate station-keeping, the speed at which a ship is proceeding may be indicated by
small-size numeral flags displayed from the navigation bridge or by regular-size numeral flags at the dip
2-17 ORIGINAL