VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
13036 — 13039 SPARE
13040 MCM OPERATIONS
a. When enemy mining has been located, MCM forces will carry out operations to open channels
through mined waters if diversions cannot be established. Sometimes adverse weather, poor
environmental conditions, and the use of MCM-defeating devices, affect the clearing of a channel and
make it a time-consuming task.
(1) NOT RELEASABLE
b. Channels are normally established to coincide with routes, the centerline of the channel being
identical to the line connecting the route positions. Channels will usually be marked by offset buoys, as
shown in Figure 13-1.
c. NOT RELEASABLE
13050 SUPPORT OF MCM OPERATIONS
An MCM force will often need protection from a covering force. When operating in mined water,
MCM forces are limited in their ability to maneuver in channels and avoiding action cannot be taken before
the gear has been recovered. This makes the MCM force vulnerable to enemy attack. The covering force
should be able to provide close antiair warfare protection for the MCM force and at the same time deny the
approach of enemy surface forces. Warning should be issued in due time in order to enable the MCM force to
take avoiding action. The OTC of the covering force will normally act in command relationship situation C.
The OTCs must ensure that there is a clear understanding between the two forces as to their relative
movements, communications, tactical limitations, etc.
13060 TRANSIT OF SHIPS THROUGH MINED AREA
a. General Considerations. This article provides convoy commodores, OTCs, and individual
units with instructions for maneuvering through mined waters.
(1) The responsibility for the safety of merchant shipping rests with the appropriate Operational
Controlling Authority (OCA). The OCA of transiting units must decide whether merchant shipping
will, or will not, transit mined areas. The decision to pass naval units through mined waters rests with
their OTC. Convoy-commodores and OTCs of naval units must ensure that their masters/captains are
informed about lead through procedures. The senior OTC of the naval forces afloat assigns tactical control
to MCM forces in order to conduct the lead through phase. In the case of convoy independents, tactical
control of the lead through operation is to be assigned to MCM- forces by the OCA. MCM
authorities provide information related to the transit.
(2) It is important that the MCM tasking authority and the OCA of transiting units establish clear,
reliable communications between themselves and their subordinate units at sea. Figure 13-2 shows the
sources and responsibilities for the flow of information in situations that may arise when units transit
mined areas.
13-13 ORIGINAL