VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
2270 NIGHT AND FOG
2271 NAVIGATION LIGHTS ON DARKENED SHIPS
a. Any Ship Endangered by Others. When ships are darkened, and any ship considers herself
endangered by another, she is to switch on navigation lights using dimming feature if installed. Other
ships, in the immediate vicinity sighting such lights, using dimming feature, if installed.
b. When Maneuvering in Formation. When it is necessary to change the formation, formation
axis, or course of a screened unit, navigation lights may be switched on if it is not certain that ships will
clear each other.
2272 WHISTLE SIGNALS WHILE MANEUVERING
The following signals from the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea may be
used by ships in a formed state when maneuvering in fog or at night, even though the regulations require
that the ships be in sight of one another:
One short blast .....Iamalteringmycourse to starboard
Two short blasts .....Iamalteringmycourse to port
Three short blasts ....Myengines are going astern
Five or more blasts . . . To be used in accordance with International Regulations
2273 STANDARD FOG SIGNALS
a. In Wartime. The standard fog signals, for example, one prolonged blast for a ship under way,
are not to be sounded in wartime unless otherwise ordered.
b. In Peacetime. Fog signals by ships in formation are to be sounded in the manner ordered by the
OTC, who will take into consideration the confusion that may be caused both to themselves and to other
shipping by too strict adherence to the International Regulations when large numbers of ships in company
are all sounding fog signals.
2274 ENTERING FOG
a. No Change Without Signal. No change in the formation, disposition, course, or speed of the
force is to be made without a signal from the OTC. However, when evasive steering is not being carried
out, unit commanders may change the arrangement of their units to a compact and more suitable formation.
If evasive steering is being carried out, it is to continue until stopped by a signal from the OTC.
b. Units Closing the Force. Units closing the force should maneuver so as to make their final
approach from well abaft of the beam of the rear ships of the force. If unable to operate radar, they are not to
attempt to join but are to assume the course and speed of the force until otherwise directed.
c. Use of Radar. If EMCON plan permits, ships are to man surface radar and the primary tactical
circuit.
d. Lookouts. Fog lookouts are to be stationed.
e. Lights. In peacetime, navigation lights are to be shown.
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