VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
4121 NET CONTROL STATION (NCS)
Each net will have a net control station (NCS) assigned to control traffic and enforce discipline on
the net. The NCS function may be assigned as a specific duty or it may be incorporated in the functions of a
warfare commander, coordinator, or controller (i.e., EWC or FTC-A) as discussed in Chapter 6.
Link nets, such as Link 11, have slightly different requirements, and the control procedures for those
nets are described in Chapter 6.
4122 VOICE PROCEDURES
Maritime voice reporting procedures are contained in APP 1.
4123 CALL SIGNS
a. General. Daily changing call signs should be used on all military uncovered communication
circuits. Ship names or international call signs may be used:
(1) When communicating in the VHF (IMM) band in the vicinity of merchant vessels or stations.
(2) During search and rescue (SAR) operations.
(3) In circumstances where it is considered impractical or unsafe to use daily changing call
signs, for example on harbor movement nets. Such nets should not be used outside 15 miles of harbor
limits.
NOTE
Instructions for the use of call signs are contained in APP 1.
b. Standard Call Sign Convention for Warfare Commanders and Coordinators.
Warfare commanders and coordinators may be allocated a two-letter call sign related to their respective
command or coordination function as shown below. This does not preclude the use of daily changing call
signs. A force may have more than one CWC (such as a carrier battle force consisting of multiple carrier
battle groups, each with its own CWC organization). The first letter of each call sign signifies which CWC
the commander or coordinator is subordinate to and is unique to that CWC organization. For example, the
first group would be allocated the letter A, the second group B. Therefore, call sign BW is the AAWC of the
second group.
4-3 ORIGINAL