CHAPTER 7

CONVOY COMMUNICATIONS
Although now generally accepted, convoys were will be by the Civil Direction of Shipping
once the subject of bitter but sincere arguments by Organization (CDSORG) and that the control of the
professional seamen. Many felt that concentrating movement of merchant ships will be by the
targets in one area merely made it easier for the enemy. (NCSORG).
Statistics, however, prove the worth of the convoy
system of ocean transit. CIVIL DIRECTION OF SHIPPING
ORGANIZATION (CDSORG)
When many ships steam in company, communication
is difficult. In a convoy the predicament is even more At or just before the outbreak of war, the
extreme because merchant vessels, as well as Navy CDSORG will assume the responsibility for the
vessels, are involved. Navy personnel spend most of employment of all oceangoing merchant ships of
their years at sea steaming in company with other NATO countries. The term employment is intended to
ships, whereas people serving in the merchant marines cover cargo, loading, maintenance, discharging,
during peacetime steam independently. repair, manning, harbor movement, and so forth.
Communication is further complicated by the These operations are similar to those performed by
language barrier. Convoys are usually made up of owners and operators during peacetime but are
ships of many different nations, traveling in company directed to the fulfillment of allied requirements for
for mutual safety and manned by people who speak ocean transport in the prosecution of the war.
different languages.
Employment of merchant ships under the control
NAVAL CONTROL OF MERCHANT of the Commander Military Sealift Command
SHIPPING (COMSC) will not be determined by the CDSORG.
Employment of those ships will be determined by the
COMSC.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain the Naval
Control of Shipping Organization (NCSORG) NAVAL CONTROL OF SHIPPING
and identify the structure within. ORGANIZATION (NCSORG)

In time of peace, merchant shipowners and The NCSORG exercises authority for the control
operators direct and control the movement of their and direction of ship movement. Control is effected
ships to meet commercial requirements worldwide. through Naval Control of Shipping offices established
in most primary and secondary ports throughout the
During periods of mounting tension where world. The control of ship movement includes
merchant ships might be subjected to harassment at selection of routes, organization of convoys, tactical
sea, governments may take preliminary measures to diversions, movement reporting, and so forth.
bring merchant ships under voluntary naval control in
preparation for the assumption of full allied naval OPERATIONAL CONTROL
control when the situation warrants. In this period, AUTHORITY (OCA)
only the movement of the ships will be controlled, and
that only in the limited area where it may be necessary The operational control authority (OCA) is the
to offer some form of protection. The use of the ship naval commander responsible for the movement and
would still be up to the owner/operator. the protection of allied merchant ships within his/her
command area. The OCA is required to do the
In time of war, full naval control of merchant
following:
shipping will be instituted by governments to operate
under the Allied Naval Control of Shipping. The 1. Maintain adequate systems of communication,
control of merchant shipping in war is based on the intelligence, and plotting to ensure rapid and secure
concept that the control of the use of merchant ships dissemination of operational intelligence.

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 2. Sail ships in convoy or as independents Command Structure
according to policies set forth.
For operations, the seas of the world have been
3. Arrange protection in port and at sea for divided into merchant shipping areas, each
merchant ships under his/her control. commanded by an area commander. The area
4. Maintain operational control of the Naval commander is responsible for Naval Control of
Control of Shipping officers and reporting officers in Shipping measures both in port and at sea in his/her
his/her area. area.
Detailed operational control may be delegated by
NAVAL CONTROL OF SHIPPING the area commander to subordinate commanders who
OFFICER (NCSO) are known as OCAs.
The NCSO is the OCA's representative at a port.
The NCSO controls and coordinates the routing
and movement of merchant ship convoys and Escalating Situation
merchant ships moving independently out of assigned
ports. The NCSO deals indirectly with the ships' When in peacetime a situation develops that
masters from the time the masters report for routing to represents a threat to the passage of allied merchant
the time they depart to a convoy anchorage to await shipping through a particular area or areas, the
inclusion in a convoy. If the ship is independent, the NCSORG is established. First they are to advise, and
NCSO deals indirectly with the master until the ship if the situation escalates to what is considered to be a
leaves the harbor for its next port designation. The dangerous level, they are to direct allied merchant
NCSO's operational duties include the following: shipping so that, when necessary, protection can be
Briefing masters provided. With the establishment of the NCSORG,
National Shipping Administration/Ministries will
Obtaining and checking data prior to sailing encourage shipowners/operators to consign their
Checking vessel's convoy eligibility vessels to voluntary naval control.
Inspecting communications equipment Advice to Shipping
Issuing sailing permits and orders
Merchant ships will be advised of the situation by
Organizing convoy conferences an instruction to open an envelope (envelope T),
Assisting masters with local operating problems carried by the ships in peacetime and containing a set
of instructions for VNCS.
Providing instructions on the Crypto system
If the ship is in a port where there is an NCSO, the
Arranging for pilots master will be visited by an officer of the NCSO's
Arranging convoy anchorage berth staff, whose task is to make sure the master has an
up-to-date briefing on the situation and to collect
Routing and movement of vessels information on the ship's voyage that will enable a plot
Checking and issuing publications to be kept ashore. Subsequently, a further briefing will
take place at each port. If the ship is not contacted on
Checking and issuing charts and hydrographic
arrival, the ship's master should contact the NCSO.
publications
Control of Shipping
VOLUNTARY NAVAL CONTROL
OF SHIPPING (VNCS) There is little action required of the merchant ship
other than to accept the briefing and to supply the plot
During periods of international tension, information. There will be no positive form of control
provocative incidents, particularly at sea, are a real of shipping until it becomes necessary to establish and
possibility. Should this occur, it is hoped there can be promulgate clearly designated danger zones where the
a voluntary, smooth, and gradual progression from a threat is high. The establishment of such a zone (called
peacetime organization to full naval control of a MERZONE) will be made at the highest political/
shipping if required. military level.

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 Ships that pass through the MERZONE will be The safe passage of a convoy depends on the
given a route to follow through the zone. Only those organization of the convoy before sailing, the
ships whose passage must take them into the zone will management and control of the convoy at sea, and the
be controlled this way, and then only while actually skillful handling of each ship while in convoy. Convoy
within the boundaries of the zone. operations must be understood by every master and
watchkeeping officer if each ship is to play her
VNCS is, as its name states, voluntary throughout individual part.
and can only be imposed with the consent of the
shipowner, who may withdraw his or her ship from OFFICER IN TACTICAL
Navy control at any time. COMMAND (OTC)
NAVAL CONTROL OF The OTC is the senior naval officer present or the
SHIPPING IN WAR officer to whom command has been delegated. The
At the declaration of war or at the point when it is OTC is responsible for the defense of the convoy and
decided to place merchant shipping on a war footing, the enforcement of such instructions and orders as are
all oceangoing merchant ships will be committed to related to the defense of the convoy.
employment by the CDSORG for the prosecution of
war and survival of Allied Nations. This will involve CONVOY COMMODORE
the pooling of ocean shipping resources and
compulsory acceptance by masters of the control of The convoy commodore is the officer, naval or
movement by the Allied NCSORG. merchant, designated by naval authority to command
the convoy. The convoy commodore is subject to
Command Structure orders of the OTC. In the absence of an escort, he/she
takes entire command.
The command structure for NCS will be similar to
that specified for periods of tension. The CDSORG, The convoy commodore is responsible for the
for the employment of merchant ships, will be staffed internal operations of the convoy. This responsibility
by officials drawn from peacetime government includes the assignment of stations to ships in the
shipping agencies and shipping companies. convoy after the convoy leaves the harbor, the issue of
instructions and regulations for the convoy, the safe
Coastal vessels navigation of the convoy as a whole, and for the
communication organization of the convoy within the
Ships below 1600 GRT and those larger vessels policy of the OTC. The convoy commodore should
declared solely to coastal operation will not be pooled, but consult with OTC, whose navigational facilities are
will remain under national control throughout the war. normally superior, regarding safe navigation,
particularly in channels and mineable waters. Under
Control of Shipping normal conditions, the convoy commodore will
Whether or not ships are sailed in convoy, there control the convoy tactically, following standard
will be positive control of merchant ship movements instructions for convoys and such additional
of all types. The level of control will vary according instructions as may be received from competent
to the tactical situation at the place and time, but in its authority. He/she is responsible for the readiness for
very lowest form will require that each merchant ship action and conduct in action of the merchant ships
under his/her command. If the convoy commodore is
1. obtain permission to sail, and incapacitated or forced to relinquish command of the
2. be given a route to follow. convoy, his/her duties are assumed by the vice
commodore. After the vice commodore, the rear
COMMAND AND RESPONSIBILITIES commodore takes over.
When required to make good a specified course or
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify and to follow a specified route, the commodore must be
explain the duties of the officer in tactical particularly careful that allowance is made for wind
command (OTC), convoy commodore, vice and tide. The commodore must also ensure that the
commodore, and the rear commodore. guide of the convoy steers an accurate course and that
the remaining ships maintain their ordered stations.

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 When conditions, such as travel through narrow whenever the commodore wishes to make the ship
waters, make a commodore's control of the convoy readily identifiable. It is flown on similar occasions by
impracticable, the convoy must be ordered to proceed the vice or rear commodore's ship when such officer
independently. The masters will then know they has assumed command of the convoy or is acting
should no longer look for guidance. independently of the commodore when in charge of
some of the convoy.
Although the commodore is responsible for the
safe conduct and information of the convoy, CONVOY FLAG
MASTERS, INDIVIDUALLY, ARE AT ALL TIMES
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFE NAVIGATION
The NCSO at the port of departure of a convoy
AND HANDLING OF THEIR SHIPS.
will assign a distinguishing flag to be flown by all
The commodore will issue maneuvering orders to ships and escorts in a particular convoy. It only has
ships in convoy. The OTC may request the local and temporary significance to assist in mutual
commodore to order a maneuver, and the transmission recognition.
be overheard. Care must be exercised by merchant
ships to ensure that only those orders addressed to GUIDE FLAG
them are obeyed. Orders from the OTC to the
commodore are not intended for the ships in convoy The commodore's ship normally acts as the guide
until relayed by the commodore and addressed to ships ship of the convoy, but he or she may have another
in the convoy. ship to take over as guide. A ship ordered to take over
as guide will immediately hoist her largest merchant
VICE COMMODORE ensign and keep it flying as long as she remains guide.
The vice commodore, if assigned, will sail in a CONVOY FORMATION
ship other than that in which the convoy commodore
sails. His/her duties are to assist the commodore and
to assume the duties of convoy commodore should the LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain the
convoy commodore's ship become incapacitated. If procedures for the forming of ships in a convoy
the convoy splits, he/she may take charge as formation.
commodore of a section.
The arrangement of ships in a convoy is termed
REAR COMMODORE convoy formation. While convoys have traditionally
been formed in columns in line ahead on a broad front,
The rear commodore, if assigned, assists the higher speeds and different types of merchant ships,
commodore and vice commodore in their tasks and and the modern vehicles, weapons, and sensors of
acts for them in their absences. If the convoy splits, opposing forces may require convoys to be of any size
he/she may take charge of a section. or shape in order to get the best protection possible.
SPECIAL CONVOY FLAGS
CONVOY GRID SYSTEM

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: List and define A formation grid is shown in figure 7-1; the grid
special flags flown in convoy formations. allows almost total variation of ship stations within a
convoy. The formation grid also allows for the
The majority of flags used in convoy situation where it is considered that several small but
communications will be familiar to signalmen because interrelated convoys are required.
of their normal use in international and Allied Escorts may or may not be stationed on the same
communications. grid system. Convoy station designators are used as
convoy internal call signs (see fig. 7-1).
COMMODORE’S FLAG
The convoy will be formulated by the OCA, OTC,
A large XRAY flag is flown by the commodore's commodore, NCSO, and the Sailing Order Folder
ship while the convoy is forming up or reforming or issued to each ship before sailing. Once at sea, the

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 Figure 7-1.—Convoy formation grid.

OTC is responsible for the convoy formation, and at left to right and prefixed with zero, commencing with
any time he/she may require alterations to it. 01, for the left column.

COLUMN NUMBERING LANE NUMBERING

When a convoy is formed in a broad formation Lanes are the spaces between the columns (see fig.
(fig. 7-2), each column is numbered sequentially from 7-2) and the adjacent areas to the left of column 01 and

Figure 7-2.—Column and lane numbering.

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to the right of the right column. Internal lanes take a haul down her merchant ensign and cease to act as
number composed of the adjacent column numbers guide. At the same time, the new guide is to hoist her
less the prefix 0. The left lane is numbered 01, and the largest merchant ensign and become the guide. If the
right lane takes the number of the right less the prefix new guide is the commodore's flagship, execution of
0 but with the suffix 0 added. the signal will indicate that the commodore has
reassumed the guide.
COLUMN CALL SIGNS
The convoy guide and column guides remain the
The column number is to be used as the collective same if the convoy alters course by any of the
call sign for ships in that column, preceded by the following methods:
word column.
1. By all ships turning simultaneously less than 90°
Example: to starboard or port
Column zero four 2. By wheeling (altering course in succession)
LIGHT REPEATING SHIPS 3. By column leaders turning simultaneously, the
remainder in succession
If the convoy is large, special light repeating ships
may be designated to relay flashing-light messages CHANGES OF THE GUIDE
from the commodore.
To assist station-keeping in a convoy formed in
GUIDES OF A CONVOY columns, the convoy guide is to change automatically
when all ships turn simultaneously through 90° or more.
One ship in the formation will be designated as the
convoy guide. The duty of the guide is to maintain If the convoy alters course, with all ships turning
accurately the course and speed ordered. If the ships simultaneously exactly 90° to starboard or port,
are in a single column, the leading ship will be the forming line abreast, the port or starboard wing ship
guide. If, for any reason, the leading ship falls out of respectively of the new leading line abreast
line, the ship next astern of it becomes the guide of the automatically becomes the convoy guide and without
column. further orders hoists its largest merchant ensign. The
previous guides of columns, however, do not change
If the convoy consists of two or more columns, but become guides in the line abreast. In figure 7-2, if
one of the column guides also must act as convoy ships turn together 90° to starboard, number 61
guide. The convoy guide must maintain the course and automatically becomes convoy guide. Numbers 11,
speed ordered, and guides of columns must keep their 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61 remains guide of the respective
correct station on the convoy guide. Ships in each
lines abreast.
column are to keep station on the guide of their
respective column.
If the convoy alters course, with all ships turning
Should the guide be disabled and become more than 90°, the ship now leading the column
incapable of acting as guide, the leading ship of the originally led by the convoy guide automatically
next column to starboard is immediately to become becomes the convoy guide. The ships now leading the
convoy guide without further orders. If there is no columns become the new guides of their respective
column to starboard, the leading ship of the next columns. Thus, in figure 7-2, if the ships turn together
column to port is to become the guide. If the convoy more than 90°, number 44 automatically becomes the
is in any formation other than columns in line ahead, convoy guide, and numbers 14, 24, 34, 44, 54 and 64
a new guide will be detailed by signal. A ship become the new guide of their columns.
becoming guide will immediately hoist her largest
merchant ensign at the masthead. When a convoy is in a formation other than
If the commodore has detailed some other ship to columns in line ahead, it may be desirable for the
act as convoy guide and later wishes to make a further convoy commodore to designate certain ships as
change, he/she will make a signal indicating which group guides. Such ships are to take charge of their
ship is to become convoy guide. When this signal is groups in cases of emergency and, if necessary, act on
executed, the ship that has been acting as guide will their own initiative.

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TAKING UP FORMATION Phonetic Alphabet
When forming a convoy, ships should get to their When necessary to identify any letter of the
correct station as quickly as possible, relative to the alphabet, the standard phonetic alphabet is used. The
guide of the convoy. correct pronunciation may be found in the
International Code of Signals.
If the convoy is in columns in line ahead or in a
formation involving small groups of ships, each Numeral Pronunciation
column/group guide will take station on the guide of
the convoy and station themselves on the guide of their Numerals, in transmission, are to be spoken in the
own column/group. English language. Only in cases of difficulty is the
INTERCO system used.
Ships should maintain their station in the formation
their guide, and should not be influenced by the movement Numerals are to be transmitted DIGIT BY DIGIT.
of other ships unless the danger of collision occurs.
Prowords
While forming up, ships are to hoist their convoy
station (convoy internal call sign) and keep it flying The prowords found in ATP 2, volume II, in
until all ships are in station. general, correspond to those in ACP 125, with the
following exceptions:
In narrow waters, each ship should make full
allowances for wind and tide so as to pass over the same ALARM—This ship has sighted or been attacked
ground as the leading ship. This will not necessarily be by hostile or suspicious forces.
achieved by following the wake of the next ship ahead. KICK—Carry out antijamming procedures.
REPEAT—Repeat transmission or portion
COMMUNICATION INSTRUCTIONS indicated, or I repeat.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: List and explain CALL SIGNS

the primary and secondary means of convoy
communications. Explain the use of external Individual ship call signs vary according to the
ship/shore communication. List the circumstances in which they are used. Where no other
responsibilities of the master and communi- instructions have been received, the following rules
cation plan. List pubs used for convoy signals. apply:
List day and night signals for open and closed 1. In harbor, for communications with local harbor
ports. authorities, use ship name or international call signs.
2. Independently routed ships, see the
The following types of communications are communications supplement of ATP 2, volume II.
available: 3. In convoy, ships use their convoy station
designations as their R/T and visual call sign. When
1. Primary: Radiotelephone
transmitted by R/T, the station designation is preceded
2. Secondary: Flashing Light by the word ship.
Special call signs for use within a convoy are
RADIOTELEPHONE shown in figure 7-3.

The voice radiotelephone (R/T) procedure EXECUTIVE MESSAGES

prescribed in ATP 2, volume II, is to be used for all
voice radio communication. The convoy commodore Executive-type messages that are sent over the
is net control for voice radio communications. As was convoy radiotelephone net will include the proword
stated for allied voice communications, adherence to EXECUTE TO FOLLOW immediately after the call,
the prescribed procedure and good circuit discipline and the text is repeated twice. If there is a delay of
are essential to being efficient. several minutes between the transmission and the

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SHIP OR AUTHORITY VOICE RADIO/ FFFF—Used preceding a call to order the called
FLASHING LIGHT station not to answer this transmission.
COMMODORE BULL IX—Action on the message or signal which follows
VICE COMMODORE CALF is to be carried out upon receipt of the prosign IX 5
REAR COMMODORE COLT SECOND FLASH.
CONVOY (COLLECTIVELY) TEAM IX 5 SECOND FLASH—Carry out the purpose of
THIS, OR SECTION . . . SACK this message or signal to which this applies.
OTC BOSS Executive method is normally used for
ESCORT SHIPS (COLLECTIVE) GANG transmitting a maneuvering signal or other signals
ESCORT SHIPS (INDIVIDUAL) SODA requiring simultaneous actions.
RESCUE SHIPS CORK*
GUIDED MISSILE SHIP SHOT PYROTECHNICS
ESCORTING AIRCRAFT PLANK
STRAGGLERS LAZY Pyrotechnics are designed for use at night in case
of extreme urgency, threat of enemy attack, or when
*followed by 1,2,3, etc. as necessary
thick weather justifies their use for maneuvering.
Figure 7-3.—Convoy special call signs.
The use of pyrotechnics for maneuvering in
convoy is left entirely to the commodore's discretion,
execution, the text may be repeated prior to sending and if used, they are for emphasizing the urgent nature
“STANDBY-EXECUTE.”
of the maneuver.
FLAG SIGNALING With the possible danger of cargo explosion from
fumes, masters with dangerous cargos should exercise
Flag signaling procedures are based on those their discretion in regard to the firing of rockets and
found in Pub 102, with the following additional rules: pyrotechnics.
A flaghoist without a call is addressed to the
commodore when made by a ship in the convoy, Independently routed merchant ships are to fire
or it is addressed to the convoy when made by NO LESS THAN TWO WHITE ROCKETS if they are
the commodore. damaged by enemy action between dusk and dawn.
This should, in good visibility, serve to attract the
The moment of execution is the moment when attention of naval vessels and aircraft, as well as warn
the hoist is hauled down. other merchant ships in the area. Masters of
When hoisted by a warship, signals from ATP independently routed ships should turn directly away
TH upon sighting this signal.
2, volume II, will be preceded by the 4
substitute.
A ship in convoy that sighted a previously
Signals from Pub 102 will be preceded by the undetected enemy submarine or surface craft or which
code pennant. is torpedoed must immediately tire at least TWO
All flag signals are to be repeated flag for flag. WHITE ROCKETS IN QUICK SUCCESSION.
Remember flags, merchant ships do not carry
4TH substitute. If a ship in convoy accidentally fires a rocket or
other pyrotechnic device, that ship should
FLASHING LIGHT immediately make the colored signal for negative
(white over red over green). In addition, the letters NO
Flashing light should be restricted to minimum may be sounded on the ship's siren (ship's whistle).
use. Both directional and non-directional light may be This should prevent the escort from taking the usual
used. countermeasure against enemy attack.

These procedures are based on those found in the Rocket and pyrotechnic signals and their
International Code of Signals, except for the meanings are contained in ATP 2, volume II, table
following procedure signs: II-V.

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RADIOTELEGRAPH The majority of the signals required in convoy
operations can be found in ATP 2, volume II, chapters
Radiotelegraph messages are to be sent over the
11, 12, and 12A.
radiotelephone net. The entire radiotelegraph version
of the message is to be passed as the text of the When warship Signalmen make use of those
TH
radiotelephone message. signals, they will be preceded with the 4 substitute.
SHIP/SHORE TRANSMISSION Vocabulary
Ship/shore radiotelephone transmissions are to be The vocabulary, chapter 12, consists of three-
made according to the International Telecommunications letter signal groups, each starting with the letter X.
Union Regulations, article 33. Groups are arranged in alphabetical sequence for ease
of reference. This chapter is used for encoding.
MASTER'S COMMUNICATIONS Chapter 12A is used for decoding.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Maneuvering Signals
The master, like the allied commanding officer,
has overall responsibility for all communications Chapter 11 contains maneuvering signals,
maintained by his/her ship. He/she therefore has the maneuvering instructions, supplementary signals, and
authority and the obligation to order or prohibit any single-letter signals.
transmission being made from his/her ship. He/she Single-Letter Signals
decides whether or not to break radio silence and to
permit or refuse participation in distress traffic. Single-letter signals in ATP 2, volume II, are
contained in table 11 -VI. Flags T and W will precede
On arrival in an allied port, the master reports the port or starboard pennant and three numerals to
immediately to the NCSO all defects in communica- indicate the direction of the alteration of course.
tions equipment that cannot be repaired on board Single-numeral pennant signals are also found in
before the ship sails again. chapter 11, table 11 -VII.
The master is also responsible for ensuring that all
communications personnel are knowledgeable of the NOTE
instructions necessary for the performance of their
communication duties, and to ensure that any orders The Code pennant is to precede signals
received are passed to them. taken from INTERCO. It should be noted that
The master will be furnished with the necessary single-letter signals from the INTERCO have
publications by the NCSO. He/she is responsible for different meanings than signals from
them and must ensure all instructions for the ATP 2, volume II.
maintenance and security of the pubs are observed and
that amendments are inserted. CLASSIFIED RECOGNITION SIGNALS
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Extracts of recognition material will be issued to
The communications plan is an important part each ship by the NCSO. The current period signal must
of the Sailing Order Folder. Basic radio com- be given to the officer of the watch. Ships must
munications organization and procedures for all identify themselves promptly when challenged by
ships, sailing independently or in convoy, upon allied warships, aircraft, examination vessels, or the
which the radio communications plan will be based, signal station.
are found in the communications supplement of ATP
2, volume II. TIME USED IN SIGNALS
SIGNALS USED IN CONVOY GMT is to be used in all communication. Clocks
Ships in convoy are to use the signals provided in are to be set and so labeled.
ATP 2, volume II, the International Code of Signals
MAN OVERBOARD
or the International Q code. Subject to the
transmission policy in force, these signals may be A ship that loses a person overboard must
transmitted by voice radio or visually. immediately make the signal “MAN OVERBOARD”

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on voice radio, and hoist flag “OSCAR” by day, and SIGNAL MEANING
flash O to ships astern both day and night.
The ship is to put the rudder over to avoid striking RED FIXED—Do not proceed/Port is closed
the person; she also will not try to pick the overboard RED
person up. The last ship in the column will try to pick RED FLASHING— Emergency. Do not
up the person. The escort forces will also try to pick proceed/port is closed
up the person. GREEN Port is open
GREEN You may proceed
PORT EXAMINATION SERVICE
GREEN One-way traffic
In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for
national authorities to control the entrance of ships GREEN Port is open
into certain ports. The signals in figure 7-4 should be GREEN You may proceed
displayed by signal stations or by port examination WHITE Two-way traffic
service vessels. GREEN Port is open
Examination-service vessels will, in addition, fly WHITE You may only proceed when ordered
by day a distinguishing flag (fig. 7-5). GREEN to do so

COMMUNICATION CONFERENCES Figure 7-4.—Port traffic signals.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain the,

purpose of the convoy communication and
Signalman conferences.

Uniformity of communications procedures is of

the utmost importance in convoy communications.
General communications instructions, radio and radar
watches, electronic emissions, communications
security policies, and recognition and identification
are the minimum that should be covered by all
communications personnel prior to a convoy sailing.
CONVOY COMMUNICATION
CONFERENCE
The NCSO will arrange a conference to be
attended by merchant ship radio officers, naval Figure 7-5—Examination-service flag.
communication officers, and senior rating. It will
normally take place immediately after the convoy
conference and will deal with convoy communi- SUMMARY
cations in detail.
CONVOY SIGNALMAN In this chapter you learned how to communicate in
CONFERENCE a convoy using radiotelephone, flashing light and
flaghoist. You learned the function of the convoy
This conference is normally held after the
organization, including that of the OCA, CDSORG, and
communication conference for Signalmen. the NCSORG. You learned about the different convoy
The communications officer conducting the formations and how to change guides. You learned about
conference will ensure that Signalmen are familiar with the port examination services and communication
visual signaling used in convoys, especially executive conferences. Review this chapter frequently to become
method signaling, identification procedures, and familiar with convoy communication. To become even
procedures for sending signals. more knowledgable, study ATP 2, volume II.

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