VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
for the circuit are to be included in the Form Green/Brown/Brown Deviation to OTCs and submarine
operating authorities to allow the circuit to be monitored.
b. Aircraft on Direct Support Operations. These aircraft will maintain communications with
their shore-based controlling authority on MATELO until they join the force. Thereafter, they will
communicate with the specified agency within the force (e.g., force marshaller or ASW ACU), until they
depart the force. Normally, the OTC will exercise tactical control of aircraft through an aircraft control unit
(ACU), which will guard operational and safety frequencies. Whenever practicable, aircraft will monitor
MHQ ARCNs. Contact reports will not be sent to the MHQ unless ordered specifically by the OTC. During
direct support operations, the MPAs first communications priority is to the OTC. Subject to the Emission
Policy (EP), contact reports may be sent to the OTC on HF if contact is not possible on UHF. On departing
the force, aircraft will re-establish communications with their shore-based controlling authority on
MATELO. The following general communication procedures apply during direct support operations:
(1) RATT Procedures. MPA on direct support can use RATT:
(a) To pass joining messages.
(b) To overcome communication problems encountered when the identification safety range
(ISR) is greater than the UHF communication range.
(c) To allow exchange of tactical information between MPA and surface/subsurface units.
(d) NOT RELEASABLE
(e) To provide the OTC secure communications with submarines operating in associated or
direct support.
(f) When necessary to clear urgent signal traffic from surface forces to shore authorities.
(2) UHF Procedures:
(a) Read-back procedures are not to be used.
(b) Secure RATT may be used on UHF circuits, if fitted, to achieve the communication
requirements listed in paragraph b(1).
(3) NOT RELEASABLE
c. Air/Submarine Operations.
(1) Communications between MPA and submarines will be primarily by UHF in the following preferred
order:
(a) Secure voice.
(b) Secure UHF RATT.
(c) Uncovered UHF voice, using low-level code.
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