Signalman 1 & C - Historic Naval Ships Association

2. Sail ships in convoy or as independentsaccording to policies set forth.3. Arrange protection in port and at sea formerchant ships under his/her control.4. Maintain operational control of the NavalControl of Shipping officers and reporting officers inhis/her area.NAVAL CONTROL OF SHIPPINGOFFICER (NCSO)The NCSO controls and coordinates the routingand movement of merchant ship convoys andmerchant ships moving independently out of assignedports. The NCSO deals indirectly with the ships'masters from the time the masters report for routing tothe time they depart to a convoy anchorage to awaitinclusion in a convoy. If the ship is independent, theNCSO deals indirectly with the master until the shipleaves the harbor for its next port designation. TheNCSO's operational duties include the following:Briefing mastersObtaining and checking data prior to sailingChecking vessel's convoy eligibilityInspecting communications equipmentIssuing sailing permits and ordersOrganizing convoy conferencesAssisting masters with local operating problemsProviding instructions on the Crypto systemArranging for pilotsArranging convoy anchorage berthRouting and movement of vesselsChecking and issuing publicationsChecking and issuing charts and hydrographicpublicationsVOLUNTARY NAVAL CONTROLOF SHIPPING (VNCS)During periods of international tension,provocative incidents, particularly at sea, are a realpossibility. Should this occur, it is hoped there can bea voluntary, smooth, and gradual progression from apeacetime organization to full naval control ofshipping if required.Command StructureFor operations, the seas of the world have beendivided into merchant shipping areas, eachcommanded by an area commander. The areacommander is responsible for Naval Control ofShipping measures both in port and at sea in his/herarea.Detailed operational control may be delegated bythe area commander to subordinate commanders whoare known as OCAs.The NCSO is the OCA's representative at a port.Escalating SituationWhen in peacetime a situation develops thatrepresents a threat to the passage of allied merchantshipping through a particular area or areas, theNCSORG is established. First they are to advise, andif the situation escalates to what is considered to be adangerous level, they are to direct allied merchantshipping so that, when necessary, protection can beprovided. With the establishment of the NCSORG,National Shipping Administration/Ministries willencourage shipowners/operators to consign theirvessels to voluntary naval control.Advice to ShippingMerchant ships will be advised of the situation byan instruction to open an envelope (envelope T),carried by the ships in peacetime and containing a setof instructions for VNCS.If the ship is in a port where there is an NCSO, themaster will be visited by an officer of the NCSO'sstaff, whose task is to make sure the master has anup-to-date briefing on the situation and to collectinformation on the ship's voyage that will enable a plotto be kept ashore. Subsequently, a further briefing willtake place at each port. If the ship is not contacted onarrival, the ship's master should contact the NCSO.Control of ShippingThere is little action required of the merchant shipother than to accept the briefing and to supply the plotinformation. There will be no positive form of controlof shipping until it becomes necessary to establish andpromulgate clearly designated danger zones where thethreat is high. The establishment of such a zone (calleda MERZONE) will be made at the highest political/military level.7-2