VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

mercantile convoy. A convoy consisting of merchant ships controlled by the Naval Control of
Shipping Organization (NCSO).
military convoy. A maritime convoy that is controlled and reported as a military unit. A maritime
convoy can consist of any combination of merchant ships, auxiliaries or other military units.
mine hunting. Techniques for countering mines by mine hunters, based on determining the positions
of individual mines and concentrating countermeasures on those positions (includes mine location
and disposal).
minesweeping. The technique of searching for, or clearing mines using mechanical or explosion
gear, which physically removes or destroys the mine, or produces, in the area, the influence
fields necessary to actuate it.
missile danger zone. The area which the submarine must enter in order to be within maximum effective
firing range of its missiles.
missile engagement zone (MEZ). The airspace around a SAM ship in which missiles may be
given freedom of operation.
moving haven (MHN). A moving area of specified dimensions established about a submarine or
surface ship, extending about the ordered position along the track, and which is designated for
use in transit by the unit to prevent attack by friendly forces in wartime and to prevent or minimize
submerged interference among friendly forces in peacetime.
N
net (communications). An organization of stations capable of direct communication on a common
channel or frequency.
normal speed. The speed at which ships are to proceed if a signaled speed has not been ordered.
northing. Northward, that is, from bottom to top, reading of grid values on a map.
NOT RELEASABLE
notice. The alert state in hours for a ship’s propulsion system.
O
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
officer in tactical command (OTC). The senior officer present eligible to assume command or the
officer to whom he has delegated tactical command. When a task organization is established, the
senior commander present of that organization becomes OTC unless otherwise ordered. When a
task organization has not been established and the higher authority has not selected the OTC, the
senior officer present eligible to command will act as OTC.
oiler. A naval or merchant tanker specially equipped and rigged for replenishing other ships at sea.
operational command. The authority granted to a commander to assign missions or tasks to subordinate
commanders, to deploy units, to reassign forces, and to retain or delegate operational
and/or tactical control as may be deemed necessary. It does not, of itself, include responsibility
for administration or logistics. May also be used to denote the forces assigned to a commander.
Glossary-15 CHANGE 1