VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
CHAPTER 13
Mine Warfare
13000 INTRODUCTION
a. Mine warfare includes the whole field of designing, producing, and laying mines and the parallel
effort of designing, producing, and operating all forms of mine countermeasures to combat the enemy’s
mining campaign. This chapter provides background knowledge and instructions to commands and
personnel not normally involved in Mine warfare.
b. NOT RELEASABLE
13001 MINING
The aim of minelaying operations is to assist in the dislocation of the enemy war effort to the
maximum possible extent and to contribute to the security of our sea communications by the destruction or
threat of destruction of the enemy’s merchant and naval units.
13002 MINEABLE WATERS
a. Mineable waters are waters in which mines may be effectively used against submarines or
surface ships. The depth of the water may dictate the use of either moored or ground mines. Drifting mines
can be encountered in any depth of water.
(1) and (2) NOT RELEASABLE
b. During the initial stages of a mining campaign, offensive operations are likely to be confined to
ports, harbours, and focal points where traffic concentrations can be foreseen.
NOT RELEASABLE
13003 TYPES OF MINES
a. Mines are explosive devices laid in the water by aircraft, submarines, or surface ships. They can
be divided into two main categories:
(1) Controlled mines are controlled by the user and enable him to deny the use of certain areas to the
enemy while retaining freedom of movement for his own forces.
(2) Independent mines are not controlled by the user after laying and create the same danger to own
and enemy shipping. Types of settings used with these mines include:
(a) Ship counts, which allow a certain number of ships to pass the mine before it detonates.
13-1 ORIGINAL