VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

safety sector. An airspace in the AAW area in which aircraft are safe from attack by friendly fighters,
missiles, or self-defense weapons.
safety zone. An area (land, sea, or air) reserved for noncombat operations of friendly aircraft, surface
ships, submarines, or ground forces.
scene of action commander (SAC). The officer who assumes tactical control of assigned units in
a limited area, operating against a specific contact or datum. (Until such time as a SAU is formally
detached, the first unit reporting contact by any means (sonar, radar, visual, or ESM) shall
be deemed to be the scene of action commander.)
screen. An arrangement of ships, aircraft, and/or submarines to protect a main body or convoy.
screen center. The point on which screen units are stationed, normally QQ or ZZ.
screen unit. A surface ship, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, or submarine employed in a screen.
search. A systematic investigation of a particular area to establish the presence or the absence of (a)
specific contact(s).
search attack unit (SAU). The designation given to a unit separately organized or dispatched from
a formation to search for and attack submarines.
search axis. The reference bearing on which an ASW search is oriented.
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
search center. The origin or reference point of an ASW search when established at a point other
than datum.
sector. An area designated by boundaries within which a unit operates, and for which it is responsible.
sector method. The method of stationing units by designating sectors defined by boundaries and
depth limits from screen center.
sector screen. A screen in which individual units are assigned particular sectors of responsibility
according to their sensors and capabilities.
seduction. Measures taken to break or move an enemy weapon control or missile homing system
away from its selected target.
self-identification. The indication by any act or means of your own friendly character or individuality.
self-protection mine countermeasures. All countermeasures, active or passive, taken by ships
underway for their self-protection.
SELFTAC. An attack conducted by a dipping helicopter on its own target after the helicopter has
broken dip.
sensor. An equipment which detects, and may indicate, and/or record objects and activities by
means of energy or particles emitted, reflected, or modified by objects.
separation zone. An area between two adjacent horizontal or vertical areas into which units are
not to proceed unless certain safety measures can be fulfilled.
Glossary-19 CHANGE 1