VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
10020 COMMAND AND CONTROL
SECTION II — NCAGS OPERATIONS
a. The development of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) by the Strategic Commander and the
subsequent command estimate and development of the Operation Plan (OPLAN) by the Operational Commander
will determine the NCAGS requirement.
b. The Military Commander is responsible for deciding the level of NCAGS support required for an
operation, and establishing the command and control (C2) structure to implement it, including the nomination
of the NCAGS CDR.
c. When assigned, the NCAGS CDR is responsible for the activities of the NCAGSORG, and is to
implement those tools from the Toolbox best suited to fulfil the operational aims and objectives.
10021 FACTORS AFFECTING NCAGS PLANNING
The risk to shipping will govern the size and type of NCAGS support provided for an operation. The
mission requirements will dictate which branches within military staffs should be augmented by NCAGS
personnel. Early consideration during the planning process must be given to the level of augmentation that
may be required. The following factors should be addressed during planning in order to assess the level of
NCAGS support required:
a. The mission.
b. The threat.
c. The type and intensity of merchant shipping in the area.
d. Whether the presence and activity of merchant shipping will affect the operation.
e. The effect of the operation on merchant shipping activity.
f. The geography, hydrography and environmental conditions in the area.
g. The level and type of information to be sought from the merchant shipping community.
h. The level and type of guidance to be provided to the merchant shipping community.
10022 THE APPLICABILITY OF NCAGS
Having established NCAGS, the NCAGS CDR will wish to have data on, and the co-operation of,
any and every merchant ship in his AOO. These ships will then be invited to contact the NCAGSORG by
use of Radio Navigation Warnings, Internet websites and other such facilities. Ships that submit their voyage
data are called “Participating Ships” and they may then be briefed on the best way of transiting the
AOO with the minimum disruption to their passage. Allied nations may, however, wish to nominate some
ships for particular NCAGS care and attention, or even for priority over other participating ships. These
may include, for example, national (flagged) vessels, those from dependent territories, or named ships assessed
as being of economic benefit to that nation. Such ships are called “Designated Ships.”
10-5 CHANGE 2