Visitor and Observers Organization and Rules

1	General This Section gives the outline for the VOB organisation and regulations for all visitors and observers from NATO nations, invited PfP / MD nations and representatives from other nations. A branch of VOB will be established on board the command ship for dealing with the requirements of visitors and observers in the exercise area.
2	The Mission To enhance future co-operation between NATO partners and NATO / Partner Nations with their armed forces and rescue experts by acquainting senior civilian and military leaders with the exercise and the operations being conducted.
3	Policy It is imperative that the OCE be aware of all observers that plan to visit the participation units. The attendance of visitors/observers has to be controlled to avoid impending the realism of the exercise; it should not impair the conduct of the exercise or training Appropriate arrangements must be made for transporting the observers to ensure they are given every opportunity to observe the exercise. The execution of the DV Day will be co-ordinated with the organisation of the Public Information Centre. Accommodation, financial and administrative factors and restrictions may limit the number of observers.The sponsorship and control of above listened visitors/observers is an OSE responsibility; in certain circumstances the responsibility may be delegated to the OCE.
4	Regulations Definitions and Categories Visitor. A military or civilian official other than the exercise participants, who has been invited to witness all or a part of the exercise. Categories. For SORBET ROYAL 2005 the following categories of visitors will be used: Category 1. Heads of State, Senior Politicians. Category 2. Ambassadors, and Senior representatives from international organizations. Category 3. Senior civilian and military officials who are directly connected with the participating forces or planning organization. Category 4. Senior civilian and military officials of the participating units/forces who are visiting to observe only those forces. Category 5. Military and civilian officials, including those from superior HQ who are specifically tasked to observe and evaluate defined aspects of the exercise planning/organisation/operation/logistics. Visitors and Observers Visitors and Observers from NATO-nations , PfP and MD submarine nations/submarine rescue nations and civilian bodies are welcome and every endeavor will be made to arrange trips for them on observing ships and/or rescue vehicles during the exercise. Point of Entry Point of Entry (POE) to the exercise area will be the Naval Base Taranto . DV aircraft arrivals and departures should be co-coordinated with MARISTAT to ensure proper DV treatment and aircraft support and to avoid conflicts with other air operations. Further transport arrangements to the exercise area will be an APIC/VOB org responsibility. Details concerning the further-on transport will be given by APIC/VOB. Visitors and Observers Responsibility Clothing Visitors and Observers should bring clothing appropriate for the season (Jun/Jul). Military personnel: summer working uniform Billeting Bills for accommodation and meals, etc. have to be settled by the respective visitor or observer before departure. Travel arrangements to and from the Point of Entry will also be the responsibility of the visitor. Invitation and Nomination All visitors and observers to the exercise will be invited via COMSUBNORTH signal. COMSUBNORTH in co-ordination with MARISTAT will issue the invitations to involved nations/HQ's/agencies. The closing date is 01 June 2005 The message nominating Visitors/Observer(s) should be iaw the following format: name and rank (fully written protocol) service/civilian appointment nation/HQ/agency security clearance visitor category areas of special interest any additional remarks This invitation will request the Visitor/Observer to give information within a date on: Travel details to/from the designated POE Particular exercise activity, (if any) specified with date and timing, that visitors wishes to attend or observe. Phasing/Periods/Events: The Visitors and Observers will have the opportunity to choose between the two following sea phases. During the whole allocated period they will be embarked on board the command ship. Daily transfer of personnel from the command ships to the participating units will be organized and control by the AFLOAT VOB Period Date Event 1 21-24 Jun 1st sea phase. 2 27-30 Jun 2nd sea phase. Detailed sequence of events is laid down in the planning timeline and serialized program attached to this EXPI. Every day the AFLOAT VOB , will produce the daily visitor and observers program (DVOP).The DVOP will be submitted daily at 1300z containing all the activities and transfers for the next day. 21 June will be arranged as a special DV Day in the operation area. 22 June will be arranged as media- days in the operation area. Due to the limited capacity the number of groups of visitors/observers will be limited to a maximum of 3 by nation. Visitor and Observer Bureau (VOB) VOB will be handling all Visitors/observers of category <0>, <2> and <3>. Visitors/observers of category <4> and <5> to keep VOB informed and may request support if necessary. VOB will be established on board ITN LPD. The VOB will be operational in the period 18 Jun to 1 Jul. Responsibility for visitors from Civilian bodies and of category <4> and <5> rests with the nation (unit) visited. This includes billeting, programming, messing and transportation. MARISTAT and COMSUBNORTH are to be informed about numbers, identity, arrival/departure, times and places of such visitors nlt 01 Jun 02. All security matters concerning accommodation and transport will be co-ordinated with appropriate agencies and local police.
5	Organization The APIC/VOB organisation is as follows:
6	Responsibility of the Commanders participation in the exercise Close co-ordination is essential between APIC/VOB and participating units. By 15 May 05 all units down to individual ships and vessels are requested to notify COMSUBNORTH and MARISTAT of their point of contact (POC).