VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
2246 SHIPS TOWING ACOUSTIC ARRAYS OR OTHER DEVICES
Ships towing acoustic arrays or other devices do not have complete freedom of maneuver. They will
not normally display lights or day shapes indicating conduct of special operations and are responsible for
informing any unit closing them of any special restrictions.
2247 — 2249 SPARE
2250 MAN OVERBOARD — STANDARD PROCEDURES
a. The ship from which a man falls overboard is to use the following procedure:
(1) Use the rudder and engines as appropriate to avoid the man.
(2) Drop a lifebuoy; in peacetime, also drop a day/night pyrotechnic marker.
(3) Mark the plot.
(4) In peacetime, the above information is to be passed regardless of the EMCON plan in force.
(5) Sound at least six short blasts on the whistle.
(6) Maneuver according to rules set forth in Articles 2251 or 2252, as appropriate.
(7) Secure active sonar if tactical situation permits.
(8) By day, hoist flag OSCAR where it can best be seen; by night in peacetime, display two pulsating
red lights arranged vertically (see Article 2254) or fire one white rocket (or one white Very light).
(9) In peacetime, any ship may use searchlights as necessary.
b. Whenever a man has been reported missing overboard, the ship shall immediately inform the
OTC. The OTC shall determine the advisability of initiating a search. If a search is conducted, the OTC
shall designate the search plan and participating units. Ships towing acoustic arrays or other devices will
normally require the assistance of another unit to recover a man overboard. The commanding officer of a
ship steaming independently shall determine the search procedures for a crewmember who may have been
overboard for an undetermined period. In each case, the commander shall inform appropriate authorities
and recommend the duration of the resulting search.
2251 PEACETIME RECOVERY MANEUVERS
a. When in Column.
(1) The ship from which the man falls overboard shall stop engines temporarily and hold course,
unless it is the rear ship of the column, in which case, it shall maneuver as required to recover the man.
The rudder may be used to throw the stern away from the man slightly; the ship is then brought back to
the course.
(2) Ships ahead of the one losing the man, stand on at the prescribed speed and hold course.
(3) Ships astern of the one losing the man, stop engines and maneuver as necessary to keep clear by
hauling out of line: odd-numbered ships, counting from the leading ship of the column, turning to starboard
and even-numbered ships turning to port. All ships then resume the course and signaled speed.
2-22 ORIGINAL