VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
9218 — 9219 SPARE
9220 COORDINATED ASW
9221 DATUMS
a. Establishing a Datum. A datum may be established by the OTC, ASW commander, screen
commander, SAU commander, SAC, or the last unit losing contact. A unit or authority establishing a datum
will report the following to the OTC and the appropriate commander in the sequence.
(1) Datum established.
(2) Datum position.
(3) Datum error.
(4) Last known course and speed of contact.
(5) Datum time.
(6) Source of information.
(7) Classification of contact on which datum was established.
b. Designating a Datum. The datum may be established by the OTC, ASW commander, screen
commander, SAU commander, SAC, or the last unit losing contact. A unit or authority establishing a datum
will report the following to the OTC and the appropriate commander in the sequence:
9222 ASW SEARCH PLANS
Table 9-4 summarizes the ASW search plans available for use by ships or by ships and helicopters.
When helicopters are used, the letter H must be added as a suffix to the plan number. Search plans are
shown in Figures 9-21, 9-22, 9-23, and 9-24.
NOT RELEASABLE
9223 COLLISION HAZARD DURING ASW OPERATIONS
a. Safety Maneuvers. ASW maneuvering plans for multiship ASW action are designed to reduce
the collision hazard. However, International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea will take
precedence over the maneuvers established by the maneuvering plans in use. If the situation becomes confused,
or if there is a possibility of collision, the first ship recognizing such a danger is to order “Break off”.
At this order, the operation is discontinued, ships are to maneuver to avoid collision, and the action is resumed
as soon as practicable.
b. Use of Navigation Lights. The attacking, directing, and assisting ships are required to burn
sidelights when multiship attacks or close searches are being conducted during night operations, unless
they are ordered to do otherwise. Dimmed sidelights may be used, but ships must have the facilities to rapidly
switch them to full brilliance in an emergency. Dimmed stern lights should also be shown, whether or
not they can be switched to full brilliance at short notice. This paragraph limits neither the authority of the
SAU commander to order navigation lights darkened at any time, nor that of any commanding officer to
turn them on at any time they are necessary.
9-25 CHANGE 2