Changing the Guide & Loose Formations

Automatic changing of the Guide

If a ship is being formed on, that ship becomes the Guide. If a ship becomes the pivot for a manoeuvre, that ship becomes the Guide.

If a wheel signal is executed in single column or diamond formation, the leading ship becomes the Guide. In multiple columns, the leading ship of the pivot column becomes the Guide.

If each line is ordered to wheel simultaneously, the leading or pivot ship of each line becomes line guide, and the leading (or pivot) ship of the line containing the previous Guide becomes the new Guide.

If a line is being formed on, the guide of that line becomes the Guide.

Guide hauling out

If a line guide signals to disregard his movements and hauls out of the line, the next ship in that line becomes guide of that line; where the line guide is not at the end of his line, the next ship astern or the next ship to starboard becomes line guide, according to whether the formation is in column(s) or in line abreast / line of bearing.

In the case of the Guide hauling out, the new guide of that line becomes the Guide. Where a manoeuvre performed simultaneously by each line causes the Guide to cease being guide of his line, the new line guide of that line becomes the Guide.

When forming loose line of column, the leading ship automatically becomes Guide. Altering course by search turn, the wing ship on the side away from the direction of the new course turns to the course indicated and becomes the Guide.

Loose line of bearing — Formation OSCAR

A line formation assumed on the basis of either a true or relative line of bearing.

Signal: form loose line of bearing indicated, in quickest sequence, on the Guide or ship indicated. Ships form within 15° of the bearing or its reciprocal, in the quickest sequence according to their relative position to her.

Distance: ships form at present distance or as indicated. Restrictions: wheels and search turns are not permitted in this formation.

Loose line abreast — Formation YANKEE

Employed mainly by a surface action unit engaged in ASW searching when a set pattern is not desired.

Ships stay within 15° of the nearest beam of the Guide or ship indicated, relative to her base course or the course indicated, forming in the quickest sequence according to their positions relative to her.

Distance: ships form at present distance or as indicated.