CHAPTER 7 CONVOY COMMUNICATIONS Although now generally accepted, convoys were once the subject of bitter but sincere arguments by professional seamen. Many felt that concentrating targets in one area merely made it easier for the enemy. Statistics, however, prove the worth of the convoy system of ocean transit. When many ships steam in company, communication is difficult. In a convoy the predicament is even more extreme because merchant vessels, as well as Navy vessels, are involved. Navy personnel spend most of their years at sea steaming in company with other ships, whereas people serving in the merchant marines during peacetime steam independently. Communication is further complicated by the language barrier. Convoys are usually made up of ships of many different nations, traveling in company for mutual safety and manned by people who speak different languages. NAVAL CONTROL OF MERCHANT SHIPPING LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain the Naval Control of Shipping Organization (NCSORG) and identify the structure within. In time of peace, merchant shipowners and operators direct and control the movement of their ships to meet commercial requirements worldwide. During periods of mounting tension where merchant ships might be subjected to harassment at sea, governments may take preliminary measures to bring merchant ships under voluntary naval control in preparation for the assumption of full allied naval control when the situation warrants. In this period, only the movement of the ships will be controlled, and that only in the limited area where it may be necessary to offer some form of protection. The use of the ship would still be up to the owner/operator. In time of war, full naval control of merchant shipping will be instituted by governments to operate under the Allied Naval Control of Shipping. The control of merchant shipping in war is based on the concept that the control of the use of merchant ships will be by the Civil Direction of Shipping Organization (CDSORG) and that the control of the movement of merchant ships will be by the (NCSORG). CIVIL DIRECTION OF SHIPPING ORGANIZATION (CDSORG) At or just before the outbreak of war, the CDSORG will assume the responsibility for the employment of all oceangoing merchant ships of NATO countries. The term employment is intended to cover cargo, loading, maintenance, discharging, repair, manning, harbor movement, and so forth. These operations are similar to those performed by owners and operators during peacetime but are directed to the fulfillment of allied requirements for ocean transport in the prosecution of the war. Employment of merchant ships under the control of the Commander Military Sealift Command (COMSC) will not be determined by the CDSORG. Employment of those ships will be determined by the COMSC. NAVAL CONTROL OF SHIPPING ORGANIZATION (NCSORG) The NCSORG exercises authority for the control and direction of ship movement. Control is effected through Naval Control of Shipping offices established in most primary and secondary ports throughout the world. The control of ship movement includes selection of routes, organization of convoys, tactical diversions, movement reporting, and so forth. OPERATIONAL CONTROL AUTHORITY (OCA) The operational control authority (OCA) is the naval commander responsible for the movement and the protection of allied merchant ships within his/her command area. The OCA is required to do the following: 1. Maintain adequate systems of communication, intelligence, and plotting to ensure rapid and secure dissemination of operational intelligence. 7-1