CONVOYS & ARMED ESCORTS
What is a Convoy?
Convoys are organized groups of vehicles (passenger, cargo or a mix) that travel together from one point to another for safety and security reasons.
Pros and Cons of Using Convoys
A security risk assessment should be conducted to examine the pros and cons of using a convoy, especially in conflict areas.
Pros:
Can provide more safety (and self-rescue options) in remote areas in case of a breakdown or accident.
Can deter criminals (for example if they are targeting single vehicles).
Can be more visible and recognisable to armed groups in conflict (that offer us safe passage).
Cons:
Can be slow since a convoy can only travel as fast as its slowest vehicle.
Can be difficult to control and keep together in cities and on poor roads.
Can be mistaken for military convoys and attacked.
Do and Don`ts
Here are some guidelines that apply equally well to large and small convoys. We recommend you apply these guideline even when moving in 2-vehicle convoys to gain practice for managing larger convoys.
Do
Check all vehicles for roadworthiness and that loads are well secured.
Check vehicles have their own equipment for repairs and changing wheels.
Check that all vehicles start with a full tank of fuel.
Check that the first and last vehicle in the convoy can communicate with each other and with the convoy leader vehicle.
Check that the convoy leader can communicate with base (radio room).
Check communications periodically along the way.
Agree to a system of signals using headlights and/or horns for the convoy vehicles not equipped with radios to indicate if a stop is required, emergency repairs are needed or if consultation is required.
Ensure that the driver of the vehicle in front always keeps the vehicle behind in view; in dusty conditions, frequent stops may have to be made at agreed intervals to ensure that everyone is still together.
Don’t
Group the vehicles too close together or tailgate (i.e., follow the vehicle in front of you at a dangerously close distance).
Split up the convoy under any circumstances.
Use an armed escort.
Armed Escorts
The IFRC does not use armed escorts…except under exceptional circumstances.
Armed escorts can compromise the perception of our neutrality, attract attention and make us targets, putting our teams in more danger.
In exceptional cases (requiring IFRC SG approval) convoys may be escorted by security personnel (host country’s military or UN peacekeepers) or “protected” under the Red Cross or Red Crescent emblem.
