VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
6765 COMMAND RELATIONSHIPS OF TRANSITING SUBMARINES
The OTC of all escorted submarine moves is normally the escort commander. In the case of
unescorted moves or when the submarines part company with the escort for any reason, the senior
submarine commander present shall assume the duties of OTC. The commander of an area through which
submarines are transiting will provide routing instructions for the SUBOPAUTH.
6766 RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSIST DISABLED SUBMARINES
Any friendly ship or aircraft meeting a disabled friendly submarine is to make every effort, so far as
circumstances permit, to ensure the subsequent safe passage of the submarine.
6768 — 6769 SPARE
6770 SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR SUBMARINE OPERATIONS IN PEACETIME
This section contains additional procedures for promulgating NATO submarine movement
information. It also provides a system that meets the requirements for an orderly transition from peace to
war. The primary reason for accurate and timely promulgation of submarine movement information is to
prevent submerged mutual interference. Secondary reasons are to provide information for intelligence
plots so that submarine contact reports may be properly evaluated and to establish a search area in case of
SUBLOOK/SUBMISS/SUBSINK based on the routing information given in the SUBNOTE.
6771 SUBMARINE MOVEMENTS
a. Authorities. Authorities who have responsibilities with regard to submarine movements are
the Submarine Operating Authorities (SUBOPAUTHs), Submarine Movement Advisory Authorities
(SMAAs), and Submarine Exercise Area Coordinators (SEACs).
Allied nations are responsible for informing relevant SMAAs about those national submarine
exercise areas which have been established permanently as agreed by the nations concerned and are under
the control of SEACs. SMAAs are responsible for monitoring submarine and VDS ship movements and
for informing SEACs, SUBOPAUTHs, and units concerned of possible mutual interference. NATO
SMAAs have no authority to control submarine movements. The procedures required below will neither
infringe on national prerogatives, infringe on the freedom of the sea, nor release submarine commanders
from their responsibilities regarding the International Law of the Seas. They do place a moral obligation on
all Allied SUBOPAUTHs to declare accurately their submarine operations and in sufficient time to permit
the widest promulgation to “need to know” addressees.
b. SUBNOTE Procedures. Submarines are routed in peace and in war by means of SUBNOTEs
that must clearly and accurately define the route to be followed.
NOT RELEASABLE
c. Notice of Intention (NOI). When exercises are being planned it may be considered advisable
to establish a temporary submarine exercise area and/or to promulgate the intended track of the submarine
well in advance. This should be done by issuing an intention message to appropriate addressees in advance
of promulgating a SUBNOTE. This message should state the limits of the area and the duration of its use
and/or intended track.
NOT RELEASABLE
d. Diving Restrictions. It is assumed that the submarine will proceed along its promulgated
track dived. Those portions of the route that must be transited surfaced are to be specified in the
6-110 CHANGE 2