VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

(8) More opportunities for training with merchant ships in both planned and unplanned PASSEXes.
b. NCAGS can provide the following principal benefits to merchant shipping:
(1) Improved safety and security in crisis areas.
(2) Minimizing disruptions to passages through areas where military operations are being
conducted.
(3) Maintenance of economic flow.
(4) Quicker reaction to changing threats.
(5) Better understanding of military constraints.
(6) Potential for stabilizing insurance costs.
(7) Minimizing disruption to commercial schedules.
(8) Improved support to counter-terrorism and counter-piracy.
10004 DEFINITIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
a. NCAGS Toolbox. The NCAGS Toolbox comprises a series of procedures and tactics available
to the maritime component commander (MCC). These tools are described in ATP 2B, Volume I and may be
used in combination or alone as required. The descriptions are generic and each tool must be modified and
tailored to meet specific mission objectives. 100 series measures may be implemented with the authority of
military commanders. 200 series measures are for implementation during Naval Supervision of Merchant
Ships and require prior North Atlantic Council (NAC)/Defence Planning Committee (DPC) approval.
b. Merchant Shipping. For the purposes of NCAGS, merchant shipping includes the complete
commercial maritime industry, including the fishing industry.
c. Naval Supervision of Merchant Ships. The ultimate response of NCAGS exercised by naval
authorities of mandatory routing, control of movement and/or convoy organisation. Naval Supervision
of Merchant Ships will be implemented only with NAC/DPC approval.
d. NCAGS Area. An area within which NCAGS procedures have been implemented. An NCAGS
area is based on, or is the same as, the operational area.
e. Participating Ships. Any merchant ships, including fishing vessels, which by the submission
of the appropriate proforma are participating in an NCAGS operation. Note that such participation is
purely voluntary.
f. Designated Ships. Merchant ships nominated as “designated” by NATO nations through
their National Shipping Authorities (NSA). These ships may have priority over other ships for higher level
NCAGS activities and, under Naval Supervision of Merchant Ships, will comply with military orders. On
request, the NAC/DPC may allow non-NATO nations to nominate ships.
g. Shipping Risk Area (SRA). An SRA delineates an area of higher or specific risk to merchant
ships within an operations area. An NCAGS area may contain one or more SRAs.
h. Communications Reporting Gate (CRG). A CRG is established to provide a position at
which merchant ships should call the NCAGS Organization (NCAGSORG) in order to establish initial
10-2 CHANGE 2