UK l Trade Protection Squadron

[Jamie]

Trade Protection Squadron MINISTRY OF DEFENCE ROYAL NAVY

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OPERATIONAL DIRECTIVE
FEBRUARY 1997
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[1] OVERVIEW

[1a] BACKGROUND​

[1b] OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES​

[1c] CASUALTIES AND LOSSES​

[2] BELLIGERENTS
[3] ORDER OF BATTLE
[4] OPERATION STAGING AREAS
[5] CAMPAIGN REGISTER

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[1] OVERVIEW

[1a] BACKGROUND
The Home Office have highlighted security concerns for cargo ships bringing goods into the United Kingdom with minimum assessment from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), surveying cargo vessels when they are in port opens the prospect of these vessels delivering contraband goods to the country prior to arriving at their destination by making drops in the sea. The Ministry of Defence have confirmed, as per discussions with the Home Office, to deploy vessels in British Waters closest to that of the English Channel where the vast majority of trade will arrive from to carry out 'spot checks' as a proof of concept for what the Royal Navy can offer and to attempt to back up the claims by gathering evidence.

[1b] OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1. Maintain a Naval Presence in British territorial waters closest to the English Channel.
2. Carry out 'spot check boarding' of cargo vessels to make sure their manifest matches with what they hold in stock.

[1c] CASUALTIES AND LOSSES

BLUFOR	OPFOR	NON-COMBATANT

[2] BELLIGERENTS

Blufor United Kingdom Opfor

[3] ORDER OF BATTLE

[1] HMS Westminster (Island-class Patrol Vessel)

[35] Royal Navy Personnel
[1]Pacific 22 RIB​

[1] HMS Mersey (Island-class Patrol Vessel)

[35] Royal Navy Personnel
[1]Pacific 22 RIB​

[4] OPERATION STAGING AREAS
-

[5] CAMPAIGN REGISTER

Campaign	Location	Objective(s)	Dates	Status
Trade Protection Squadron 97/98	Portsmouth/Devonport	Contraband Policing of the major UK Trade Ports.	-	In Progress

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Together, a combined total of 70 sailors are embarking on a Royal Navy proof of concept utilizing two of the Island-class Patrol Vessels to police two of the major UK Ports, Devonport and Portsmouth. The crews begun the briefing period to discuss the plan, strategy and go through any scenarios that may happen. They would also spend a few days back on the ranges using the SA80 L85A1 which would be the rifle each sailor is equipped with for their new role. It was estimated that the operation would be roughly 5-6 months and depending on how it develops, go onto been a permanent deployment for the Navy to fulfill a gap that neither the MCA or Border Force can conduct. Due to the area of operations been in British Waters, any vessels that approach are already bound by the MCA to allow inspection which is a norm for most countries. In a few days time, both vessels would depart to the seas and begin intercepting cargo ships.

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[Jamie]

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Following a series of briefings, the Trade Protection Squadron had now embarked to the seas to conduct their initial inspections during the concept operation for the protection of UK trade, only returning back to port to re-supply as required. HMS Westminster, however, had already found its first victim. Stalking a cargo vessel from a distance as it transitioned from international to British waters, viewing the information on AIS, more information came into the Captain of the vessel.

"Sir, we've got a hit. It's a French vessel with namesake F-R-A Napeolon Three, carries out this route weekly and should be transporting numbers of electronic machinery."

"Understood, get in touch with them. We'll make our first inspection."

With that in mind, the VHF radio would hail FRA Napoleon.

"FRA Napoleon Three, FRA Napoleon Three, this is HMS Westminister, HMS Westminster, we will be approaching the vessel from your port side with intent to board for routine inspection. Please acknowledge." (Logan )

Despite waiting for a response, the Island-class Patrol Vessel begun an intercept course, but retained a distance until they acknowledged. Inside, 8 sailors prepared for boarding the target vessel to inspect the manifest.

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[Logan]

"This is FRA Napoleon III, Acknowledge. Slowing to 1/4 Speed and preparing to be boarded."

The ship would slow its speed and begin preparations to be boarded, running out the boarding ladders, making sure everything on the deck as secured, as well as making sure that all safety regulations and SOPs were being followed.

As the engine crew continued to slow the ship, they'd decide to run the engine through a complete diagnostic cycle just to make sure that everything was running well and the ship was in running order.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

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The acknowledgement from FRA Napoloen III was delayed but arrived at a welcomed time as the Royal Navy Vessel was on its approach, lining up against one of the boarding ladders released by the crew.
Safely holding it at a comfortable pace, individually the eight (8) sailors made their way up the ladder, each sailor hosting a life jacket and a helmet above their usual Royal Navy issued overalls. One Sailor in particular who was leading the team, had a backpack which contained the expected manifesto.
Upon their boarding, it was his duty to introduce himself, highlight the purpose of the mission which was, in his words, to 'ensure that the cargo entering the UK matches that of the expected manifest', a UK government initiative to attempt to tackle smuggling and the transport of contraband.
The entire operation was done to, not be intimidating, but to have a friendly face for any cargo ship coming into the United Kingdom. Following the introductions, and ensuring that the French Captain had no problems, the crew could begin their inventory.
Working through section by section with anything they find called out and ruled off the manifesto. Anything extra or missing would be identified. This would go on for some time due to the size of the ship.

Logan

Across at Devonport, HMS Mersey wasn't overall active in relation to international trade but had taken the opportunity to intercept more local fishing vessels to ensure that their catches meet British Legality.
Having stopped a couple of fishing vessels thus far, all had seemed to tie in and the concept was proving to be useful but also allow the Navy to engage with the fishing communities.

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[Jamie]

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The inspection taking place on FRA Napoleon III came to a swift conclusion with sailors having explored the vessel, reviewing any and all compartments to prevent contraband entering the United Kingdom and verified that the cargo manifest matches with what was on board. Following the conclusion of the paperwork, the sailors from the Island-class Patrol Vessel offered their farewell before exiting and returning to their own craft, returning back to port to re-supply. After further discussions within the Ministry of Defence, ministers have confirmed that the Trade Protection Squadron will be in service until August 1997 when it will be reviewed. Based on the statistics of the mission, the continuity of the squadron will be decided by Royal Navy officials. Until then, routine stops continued with the two Island-class Patrol vessels to trade vessels entering Portsmouth or Devonport.

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[Jamie]

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Six months since the Trade Protection Squadron begun its operation and it was coming to a conclusion. The focus of the last months was to assess the viability for such missions and to determine whether there remained a need. Although interceptions occurred daily around two two ports, the outcomes have highlighted that such deployments was somewhat wasted resources for the Royal Navy. Therefore, under instruction of the navy, the operation had ended and the vessels returned to their home port for their final debriefing and resumed non-operational duties.

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