VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

f. Fog Buoys. Ships in column, except the rear ship, should be prepared to stream a buoy at
four-fifths of standard distance and to direct a strong light on the ship astern.
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2280 WARTIME CRUISING PRECAUTIONS
2281 DARKENING SHIPS
a. Completely Darken Ship. Unless otherwise ordered, all ships are to be completely darkened
from sunset to sunrise, while at sea. A ship is to inform any ship whose lights are visible. Navigation lights
are not to be used when ships are darkened except in emergency to avoid collision. Article 2271 explains
this point more fully.
b. Modified Darken Ship. To improve habitability, the OTC may order modified darken ship.
Under this condition, doors, hatches, and ports may be opened but no direct white lights or red standing
light shall be permitted to show outside the ship.
c. Special Conditions. When authorized by the OTC, dimmed side lights and stern light may be
permitted during screen maneuvers, when ships join the formation, when individual ships maneuver
within the formation, or during coordinated operations. The OTC may authorize ships controlling aircraft
at night during darken ship conditions to identify their ship to the aircraft by use of Grimes light or
pulsating red truck lights. Ships involved in launching and recovering helicopters may show additional
lights at minimum brilliance consistent with safety.
2282 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Ships are to take precautions to avoid disclosure of own forces to the enemy. These should include
measures to avoid excessive external noises and smoke emission, including blowing of boiler tubes. Waste
is to be disposed of by sinking or retained on board. Use of electromagnetic, electro-optic, and acoustic
emitters is subject to the instructions in Chapter 5.
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MTP 1(D), Vol. I
2-26 ORIGINAL