This page displays naval exercises that could be of interest to commercial shipping.
Military operations will frequently involve, or have some impact, on merchant shipping and vice-versa. The Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) organisation bridges the gap between operational forces and merchant shipping by providing a framework for communication. One of the key points in the NCAGS organisation is the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) as the main and primary permanent point of contact for the shipping community within NATO.
The NATO Shipping Centre’s information management system is designed to respect commercial sensitivities. The shipping industry should be aware that the integrity of particularly sensitive commercial information, when given to the NSC, is respected. Conversely, commercial operators not limited to NATO flagged or owned vessels will be encouraged to participate in operations or exercises to support the general economic flow of shipping. Whereas some nations are well equipped to provide advice for their own ‘flag’ vessels, this is not true of all countries. The NATO Shipping Centre will assist all vessels, regardless of flag, wishing to co-operate with NATO, and we have done so during a large number of operations.