VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

from an outward signal halyard. Speed flags are normally used only when entering or leaving harbor in
formation, when minesweeping, or when ordered by the unit commander. They are not to be used for
ordering changes in speed, which are always to be signaled.
2207 — 2209 SPARE
2210 STATIONING
To station a unit is to order it to proceed to a position with reference to the Guide, a geographic
position, or an indicated unit. Station is expressed by one of the following methods.
a. A true bearing and distance; e.g., “Take station bearing 170° from the Guide, distance 5 miles.”
b. A relative bearing and distance; e.g., “Take station 30° on the starboard bow of (call sign),
distance 5 miles.”
c. A general relative area, such as the van or rear; an approximate distance may be included.
d. A numbered or lettered station on a diagram; e.g., “Take Station 14.”
e. The circular method (see Chapter 3).
f. The sector method (see Chapter 3).
g. The skeleton screen diagram (see Chapter 3).
2211 JOINING AND LEAVING
a. Units Closing or Rejoining.
(1) Meaning of Order to Close or Rejoin. An order to close or rejoin means that the unit addressed,
except a screen unit (see Chapter 3), is to come closer to receive further orders. It does not in itself
order the unit to take up any particular station. A unit ordered to close or rejoin is not to enter the
formation without further orders.
(2) Resuming Previous Station. Should the OTC desire a unit to resume its previous station, a
signal to this effect is available.
b. Units Temporarily Detached. A unit temporarily detached is not to act on or to answer
maneuvering signals made by the OTC unless its own call sign is specifically included in the address of the
maneuvering signal.
c. Units joining. The OTC will normally apprise the force of the expected time and general
direction of approach of approach of a unit joining. When within range, a unit joining is to establish
communications (EMCON permitting) and identify itself to the OTC, who will pass tactical information as
required. Information to be exchanged between warships joining a formation and the OTC is given in
Chapter 1. During radio silence, the first ship to sight a unit joining is to inform the OTC and pass any
required tactical information as directed by the OTC, using a system within the EMCON plan in force.
2212 — 2219 SPARE
2220 THE GUIDE
a. OTC’s Ship.
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
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