Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes.pdf - Google Drive

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes a)  This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule b)  A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall: (i)  proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane; (ii) so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone; (iii) normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable. c)  A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes d) (i) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However, vessels of less than 20 metres in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone. (ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (d) (i), a vessel may use an inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger. e) A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except: (i) in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger; (ii) to engage in fishing within a separation zone. f) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes g)  A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations h)  A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable. i)  A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane. j)  A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane. k)  A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation. l)  A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable, within a traffic separation scheme, is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction

© www.nepia.com

The traffic separation scheme is based on the principle that in dense traffic waters and in areas of convergence head-on encounters as well as crossing traffic should be avoided so far as is practicable. So a system was devised under which traffic would flow in these areas according to a two-lane traffic scheme. 4


These lanes would be determined beforehand and charted. In each lane traffic would be allowed to flow in only one direction.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction By this means, risks of collision and grounding and consequently of pollution should be reduced to a minimum.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction The practice of following predetermined routes for shipping originated in 1898 and was adopted, for reasons of safety, by shipping companies operating passenger ships across the North Atlantic

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction In 1961, several Institutes of navigation begun a study on traffic separation schemes (TSS) in the English Channel and various other areas where a considerable risk of collision existed. In June 1967 the fist traffic separation scheme was established in the Dover Straits. A significant fall in the number of collisions was seen between ships on opposing routes. At that time, the observance of the TSS was voluntary.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction At the time, observance of the schemes was voluntary, but in 1971 a series of accidents in the English Channel led to calls for immediate action - in the most serious incidents, the tanker Texaco Caribbean was in collision with a freighter off the Varne shoals and the following night the wreck was struck by the freighter Brandenburg, which also sank

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction Some six weeks later, the freighter Niki struck the wreckage and sank with the loss of all 21 people on board

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction As a result, IMO's Maritime Safety Committee meeting in March 1971 recommended that observance of all traffic separation schemes be made mandatory and this recommendation was adopted by the IMO Assembly later the same year. The Dover Straits scheme was therefore the first mandatory traffic scheme, from 1971. The Conference which adopted the Collision Regulations (COLREGs), in 1972 also made observance of traffic separation schemes mandatory. 11

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction Since then, numerous ships routeing systems have been adopted and they can be found in the publication, Ships Routeing. Ships' routeing systems and traffic separation schemes that have been approved by IMO, are contained in the IMO Publication, which is updated when schemes are amended or new ones added. 12

The latest edition is dated 2008 and can be obtained from IMO as a book or a CD

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction The publication includes General provisions on ships' routeing, first adopted by IMO in 1973, and subsequently amended over the years, which are aimed at standardizing the design, development, charted presentation and use of routeing measures adopted by IMO. The provisions state that the objective of ships' routeing is to 'improve the safety of navigation in converging areas and in areas where the density of traffic is great or where freedom of movement of shipping is inhibited by restricted searoom, the existence of obstructions to navigation, limited depths or unfavourable meteorological conditions'. 13

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction Related provisions were subsequently incorporated into the original SOLAS Convention. IMO's responsibility for ships' routeing is enshrined in SOLAS Chapter V, which recognizes the Organization as the only international body for establishing such systems. SOLAS Regulation V/10 Ships' routeing states: Rule 10 of the COLREGS prescribes the conduct of vessels when navigating through traffic separation schemes adopted by IMO.

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IMO's responsibilities are also determined under the United Nations Convention on Law of The Sea (UNCLOS), which designates IMO as 'the competent international organization' in matters of navigational safety, safety of shipping traffic and marine environmental protection. 15

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction Traffic separation schemes and other ship routeing systems have been established in most of the major congested; shipping areas of the world, and the number of collisions and groundings has often been dramatically reduced.

Governments intending to establish a new routeing system, or amend an existing one, must submit proposed routeing measures to IMO's Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation (NAV), which will then evaluate the proposal and make a recommendation regarding its adoption. The recommendation is then passed to the MSC for adoption. 16


The accidents by the “Varne L/V” in 1971 and later, was also a reason for IALA to create a new uniform buoyage system which was first introduced in Europe around mid-April 1977 in 7 phases. It was completed in 1983. © marine-marchande.net

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Introduction IMO Resolution A. 572. as amended and A. 858(20) General Provisions on Ships’ Routeing As well as traffic separation schemes, other routeing measures adopted by IMO to improve safety at sea include: −  two-way routes, −  recommended tracks, −  deep water routes (for the benefit primarily of ships whose ability to manoeuvre is constrained by their draught), −  precautionary areas (where ships must navigate with particular caution), and −  areas to be avoided (for reasons of exceptional danger or especially sensitive ecological and environmental factors). 18

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions Routeing system Any system of one or more routes or routeing measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; it includes traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, areas to be avoided, inshore traffic zones, roundabouts, precautionary areas and deep-water routes

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions Traffic separation scheme A routeing measure aimed at the separation of opposing streams of traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes.

1: Traffic flow 3: Separation line 4: Separation zone 6: Outside limits

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions Separation zone or line A zone or line separating the traffic lanes in which ships are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions; or separating a traffic lane from the adjacent sea area; or separating traffic lanes designated for particular classes of ship proceeding in the same direction.

3: Separation line 4: Separation zone

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions Traffic lane An area within defined limits in which one way traffic is established. Natural obstacles, including those forming separation zones, may constitute a boundary.

1: Symbol for traffic lane

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes

Definitions Roundabout

A routeing measure comprising a separation point or circular separation zone and a circular traffic lane within defined limits. Traffic within the roundabout is separated by moving in a counterclockwise direction around the separation point or zone.

4: Roundabout4

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Definitions

Inshore traffic zone A routeing measure comprising a designated area between the landward boundary of a traffic separation scheme and the adjacent coast, to be used in accordance with the provisions of Rule 10(d), as amended, of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (Collision Regulations).

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Definitions Two-way route

A route within defined limits inside which two-way traffic is established, aimed at providing safe passage of ships through waters where navigation is difficult or dangerous.

2: Route

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions Recommended route A route of undefined width, for the convenience of ships in transit, which is often marked by centreline buoys.

8: Recommended route

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Definitions

Recommended track A route which has been specially examined to ensure so far as possible that it is free of dangers and along which ships are advised to navigate.

7: Recommended track

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Definitions

Deep-water route A route within defined limits which has been accurately surveyed for clearance of sea bottom and submerged obstacles as indicated on the chart.

DW: Two-way deep-water route

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Definitions

Deep-water route

One-way deep-water route within a traffic lane

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Definitions Junction

Separation of traffic at a junction

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Definitions Junction

Separation of traffic at a junction

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Definitions

Junction A junction showing a separation line substituted for a zone, where there will be crossing traffic

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Definitions

Precautionary area A routeing measure comprising an area within defined limits where ships must navigate with particular caution and within which the direction of traffic flow may be recommended

Precautionary area at a focal point

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions Precautionary area

9: Precautionary area with recommended direction of traffic flow around an area to be avoided

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions Precautionary area

Precautionary area at a junction with recommended directions of traffic flow

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Definitions

Area to be avoided A routeing measure comprising an area within defined limits in which either navigation is particularly hazardous or it is exceptionally important to avoid casualties and which should be avoided by all ships, or certain classes of ship.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions Established direction of traffic flow A traffic flow pattern indicating the directional movement of traffic as established within a traffic separation scheme.

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Definitions

Recommended direction of traffic flow A traffic flow pattern indicating a recommended directional movement of traffic where it is impractical or unnecessary to adopt an established direction of traffic flow.

Between two separation schemes

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas A Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) is an area that needs special protection through action by IMO because of its significance for recognized ecological or socioeconomic or scientific reasons and which may be vulnerable to damage by international maritime activities. The criteria for the identification of particularly sensitive sea areas and the criteria for the designation of special areas are not mutually exclusive. In many cases a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area may be identified within a Special Area and vice versa. 39

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Summary 1.  TSS with separation zone 2.  TSS , natural obstructions 3.  Separation for inshore traffic 4.  Roundabout 5.  Crossing gates 6.  Crossing without precautionary area 7.  Precautionary area 8.  Inshore traffic zone with limits 9.  Inshore traffic zone without limits 10. Recommanded direction 11. Route for ships other than DW 12. DW route part of traffic lane

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Summary 13.  Two way DW route 14.  Recommanded route with centerlines 15.  Two way Route with one way sections 16.  Area to be avoided around navigational aid 17.  Area to be avoided because danger of stranding 18.  Two way DW Route

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions

Mandatory Routeing System The mandatory use of TSS is regulated by SOLAS, Chapter V/Regulation 10 Ships' routeing systems contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and/or protection of the marine environment. Ships' routeing systems are recommended for use by, and may be made mandatory for, all ships, certain categories of ships or ships carrying certain cargoes, when adopted and implemented in accordance with the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organization. A ship shall use a mandatory ships' routeing system adopted by the Organization as required for its category or cargo carried and in accordance with the relevant provisions in force unless there are compelling reasons not to use a particular ships' routeing system. Any such reason shall be recorded in the ships' log.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Important Remark Vessels which do not use a traffic separation scheme especially, a mandatory traffic separation scheme, without a profound reason, commits a serious offence endangering the safety of navigation and of life at sea. Reasons for not using a TSS may be : –  Adverse weather condition –  Insufficient underwater clearance –  Vessel manoeuvres with difficulty –  Vessel carrying dangerous goods –  Difficult towing operation –  Towing of inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object –  Etc. It is good practice, when one decides not to use a TSS, to inform the nearby VTS

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions There are two categories of routing systems: 1.  Traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, etc. 2.  Archipelagic sea lanes

The conduct of vessels within or near traffic separation schemes adopted by IMO are prescribed in Rule 10 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGS 1972).

With regard to the dates of implementation of the routing measures, reference should be made to relevant “Notices to Mariners (N.t.M.)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Definitions For more details, updates and relevant literature, see: http://imo.org. OR

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea by Capt. Pierre Deseck, M Sc., FNI http://maritimeknowhow.com 45

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Other recommended literature

Provisions, Regulations, Notes: −  Ships’ Routeing (IMO London) −  Guidelines on Carriage of Nautical Publications −  The Merchant Shipping (Mandatory Ships’ Routeing) Regulations (SI 1997, No 1341) −  Observance of Traffic Separation Schemes (MGN 200 (M + F)) 46

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes What then are the objectives of routeing systems –  Improve safety of navigation •  In converging areas •  In areas with high traffic density •  Where freedom of movement is inhibited by: –  –  –  – 

Restricted sea room Obstructions to navigation Limited depth Unfavourable meteorological conditions (not necessarily adverse weather conditions) …. / ….

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes …. / ….

–  Prevention or reducing risk of pollution or damage to the marine environment –  Limit head-on encounters –  Reduction of crossing traffic –  Safe and fluent traffic flow –  Reduction of risk of grounding –  Guidance of traffic clear of fishing grounds –  Organization of traffic through fishing grounds 48

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Application of TSS

Rule 10 § (a)

Rule 10 only applies to TSS’s adopted by IMO. This means that Rule 10 DOES NOT apply to TSS’s adopted by other Governments, without IMO approval. In urgent cases, a Government may introduce temporary changes immediately and implement them before their adoption by IMO.

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Rule 10 § (a)

It is, consequently possible, that in some territorial waters, Governments have adopted TSS’s that differ from those adopted by IMO. Rule 10 will not apply to such TSS’s and vessels may sail in the wrong direction of a lane without committing an offence. However, it will be considered as good seamanship to comply as close as possible with the recommendations of Rule 10.

© amsi.gov.au

Please consult the appropriate Sailing Directions and N.t.M. before 50 entering such waters.


Rule 10 § (a)

Accidents took place in TSS’s not approved by IMO. In one instance, a vessel sailing in the wrong direction in a lane was not held responsible by the Court and could not be considered a failure to conform with good seamanship in accordance with Rule 2 (a).

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Rule 10 § (a)

Rule 10 does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other Rule Separation Zone In other words, a TSS is not a highway giving you the right of way (special circumstances excepted)

A Normally, vessel B should avoid crossing the traffic lane. But if there is a risk of collision, vessel A must apply Rule 15 and take proper avoiding action.

B

If there is a risk of collision in a TSS the other Rules of the Colregs continue to apply.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes The use of TSS

Rule 10 § (b)

Traffic separation schemes apply to all vessels including sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes •  How to use a separation scheme –  –  –  –  – 

Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane In the general direction of traffic flow Keep clear of a traffic separation line or zone Join or leave a lane at its termination From either side: at a small angle

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Use appropriate traffic lane

Rule 10 § (b) (i)

RIGHT Separation Zone

RIGHT

Always proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane. 55 (See par. (k) and (l) for exceptions).

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Use appropriate traffic lane

Rule 10 § (b) (i)

WRONG Separation Zone

RIGHT

It is a severe offence to sail in the wrong direction in a traffic lane. 56 (See par. (k) and (l) for exceptions).

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Keep clear of traffic separation line or zone

Rule 10 § (b) (ii)

If both vessels A and B keep too close to the traffic separation line, they may consider themselves as meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses and alter course to starboard in compliance with Rule 14. If A alters course to starboard she would find herself in another meeting situation with vessel C which is sailing in the inshore traffic zone. Vessel A would than find it difficult to rejoin her initial lane.

B A C Traffic separation lines or zones are usually not marked by buoys. The vessel’s position must therefore continuously be monitored.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Keep clear of traffic separation line or zone

Rule 10 § (b) (ii)

If now, both vessels A and B keep to the outer limit of their respective traffic lane, as far as practicable, no conflicting situation should occur.

B A C Always keep clear of the outer limit which separates the traffic lanes from the inshore zones. This is important when two vessels, one in a lane and the other in an inshore traffic zone, proceed in opposite directions 58

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Joining or leaving a traffic lane

Rule 10 § (b) (iii)

There are two ways to join or leave a traffic lane : 1.  At the termination of the lane 2.  From either side, at as small an angle maximum 10° to 15°.

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Joining or leaving a traffic lane


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Sometimes a buoy called “TSS-buoy” is anchored at the termination of the separation zone

Always leave this TSS-buoy on your port side

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Make regular checks, using all available means, to ensure yourself that the vessel is and stays in the appropriate lane. This applies in good as well as in restricted visibility. All available means includes: −  −  −  −  − 

Radar Satnav AIS Ecdis Etc.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes ECDIS must clearly show: –  –  –  – 

All navigational marks All known dangers Information re ships’ routeing Ship reporting measures

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes •  Nautical publications: –  International Code of Signals (IMO) –  Mariners’ Handbook (UKHO) –  Merchant Shipping Notices, Marine Guidance Notes and Marine Information Notes (MCA) –  Notices to Mariners UKHO) –  List of Radio Signals (UKHO) –  Sailing Directions (UKHO) –  List of Lights (UKHO) –  Nautical Almanac –  Navigational Tables –  Tide Tables 65

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Crossing a traffic lane

Rule 10 § (c)

Avoid crossing a traffic lane If necessary to do so: –  Cross at a right angle –  Allow maximum 10° - 15° deviation Special circumstances: −  −  −  − 

Weather Avoiding action Calling at a harbour Etc.

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 § (c)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Inshore traffic zones

Rule 10 § d (i)

–  To permit local coastal navigation (not to be used when traffic lane can be safely used) –  To keep coastal shipping away from traffic passing through the traffic lanes –  Are allowed to use it freely: •  •  •  • 

Vessels of less than 20 m Sailing vessels Vessels engaged in fishing These vessels may also use a traffic lane 77


Rule 10 § d (ii)

Other vessels allowed to use an inshore traffic zone –  Vessels en route to or from a port –  En route to or from a offshore installation or structure –  En route to or from a pilot station –  En route to or from any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone –  To avoid immediate danger 78


Rule 10 § d (i) and (ii)

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Rule 10 § d (ii)

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Rule 10 § d (i)

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Rule 10 § d (i)

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Rule 10 § d (ii)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Separation zones; Separation lines

Rule 10 § e

Do NOT enter a separation zone or cross a separation line EXCEPT: − To avoid immediate danger (e.g. collision) − To cross a separation zone − To join or leave a lane − To engage in fishing within a separation zone

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Rule 10 § e (ii)

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Rule 10 § e

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Rule 10 § e

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Rule 10 § e (ii)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes TSS terminations

Rule 10 § (f)

Be cautious, especially in restricted visibility

converging and diverging traffic

converging and diverging traffic

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes TSS Terminations

Rule 10 § (f)

IMPORTANT REMARK Terminations in TSS may well be the weakest link in the system. Often heavy concentrations are spotted with converging and diverging traffic, especially in the vicinity of large harbours. This occurrence may even be more important around week-ends when ships leave the harbour for their journey or to call at other ports

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Anchoring in a TSS

Rule 10 § (g)

In agreement with Rule 9 (g) vessels should avoid to anchor in a traffic separation scheme or near its terminations. Anchored vessels in a TSS are: −  A source of danger (especially in restricted visibility) −  Influenced by wind and/or current, often showing a different aspect toward the traffic direction of the lane they are in.

In case of emergency vessels may anchor in a traffic separation zone

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Not using a TSS

Rule 10 § (h)

WRONG

When not using the TSS, avoid it by as wide a margin as possible. Avoid the boundaries of the scheme to reduce head-on encounters

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Fishing vessels in a TSS

Rule 10 § (i)

Fishing vessels in a traffic lane: − Shall not impede the passage of any vessel − Shall navigate within the appropriate lane − Shall navigate in the appropriate direction − Their fishing operations shall not be obstructive (such as drift nets) − Their nets shall not extend across a lane Hauling and shooting the gear − In a traffic separation zone or − Completely outside a traffic lane

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Rule 10 § (i)

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Rule 10 § (i)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Vessels of less than 20 m in length or sailing vessels in a TSS Rule 10 § (j) Vessels that may not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel –  Vessels of less than 20m –  Sailing vessels of any length

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Vessels of less than 20 m in length or sailing vessels in a TSS Rule 10 § (j)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Large vessels versus small ones in a TSS

Rule 10 § (j)

Never take a chance. Always clear a lane as soon as you can. Do not enter a lane when a large vessel is in sight. Reduce speed or stop. Large vessels are not easy to handle. They have a large turning circle and a huge stopping distance;

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Dredgers, buoying ships, etc., in a TSS

Rule 10 § (k)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Cable layers in a TSS

Rule 10 § (l)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Dredgers, buoying ships, cable layers etc., in a TSS Rule 10 § (k) and (l)

Formalities Above mentionned operations must be authorised and notified by the appropriate authority Information must be promulgated by: − Notices to Mariners − Radio warnings a) before the operations b) at regular intervals during the operations Such operations must be avoided in conditions of restricted visibility (General Provisions on Ship’s Routeing)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems Dover Strait and its approaches − The Channel Navigation Information Service (CNIS) and − The mandatory reporting system (CALDOVREP) : have been designed to assist seafarers to navigate waters with high traffic density in safety. (For more details, see Marine Guidance Note MGN 128 (M + F). Most major harbours have : − A Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) and − A Vessel Traffic System (VTS) See further for details

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems Available literature Information and literature relating to: −  VTS −  MRCC −  CNIS −  CALDOVREP −  CROSS −  Other government authorities

can be found in: −  Pilot books −  Admiralty Radio Signals −  Sailing directions −  Notices to mariners (N.t.M.) −  Marine Guidance Notes (MGN) −  Internet −  Etc.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems

Strait of Dover The narrowest part of the English Channel

Most maritime traffic between the Atlantic Ocean and the North and Baltic Seas passes through the Strait of Dover

The Strait is one of the busiest international seaways in the world, regularly used by over 400 commercial vessels daily.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems This situation has made ‘’safety’’ a critical issue HM Coastguard maintains a 24-hour watch over the Strait and enforces a strict regime of shipping lanes.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems The Channel Navigation Information Service (CNIS), introduced in 1972, provides a 24 hour radio and radar safety service for all shipping in the Dover Strait.

The functions of CNIS are: •  •  • 

keep the Dover Strait TSS under observation, monitor the flow of traffic detect / report vessels which contravene the Colregs

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems CNIS is operated by: •  Cross Gris-Nez •  Dover Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC)

MRCC's cliff-top location overlooks the Dover Strait and the Port of Dover © www.mcga.gov.uk

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems Part of the Operations Room at Dover MRCC

111 © www.mcga.gov.uk

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems Monitoring vessel traffic in the South West Lane. The three screens to the right of the picture provide the operator with live radar coverage of vessel traffic throughout the Dover Strait

112 © www.mcga.gov.uk

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems Dover CNIS is a Coastal Vessel Traffic Information Service (VTIS)

Radar antenna at Dover

CNIS broadcasts on VHF 11 every 60 minutes (every 30 minutes if restricted visibility) to give warnings (navigational difficulties, weather conditions, traffic information in the TSS) Additional broadcast is transmitted for any vessel in contravention of the COLREGS, to warn other vessels that a potentially hazardous situation exists in a particular part of the TSS.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems

Ships using the TSS are automatically tracked by radar and evidence collected, which can be used in possible prosecutions of alleged contraventions of the COLREGS. The system also collects data from vessels fitted with Automatic 114 Identification System (AIS) transponders.

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems 1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8. 

Inshore traffic zone Traffic lane Separation zone Separation line Separation zone between lane and inshore traffic Separation line at the limit of a lane DW route Junction

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes Mandatory Reporting Systems Scheldemond - VTS SM

Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Definition of VTS −  A service established by a competent authority to improve the security and efficiency of maritime traffic and to protect the environment. These services must be able to communicate with the traffic, to react and anticipate on dangerous traffic situations which can develop in a VTS region. −  The Scheldt Radar Network consist of five manned traffic centres and 21 unmanned radar towers. −  The Radar Network centres are situated in Zeebrugge, Vlissingen, Terneuzen, Hansweert and Zandvliet. −  The purpose of the VTS Radar Network is: −  to perform radar observations −  to maintain communication between ship and shore −  to save and process information −  to perform AIS observations.

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Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) The duties of the Radar Network via the VTS are: −  Organizing and supporting the shipping traffic. This duty includes various sub-tasks such as assistance in navigation, supplying information regarding meteorological and hydrological circumstances, implementing the access policy, maintaining and guarding of passage plans, checking compliance with legislation and regulations, for example in the area of traffic behaviour and the transport of hazardous goods. −  Supplying information like informing the locks with regard to traffic volumes which is of great importance for an efficient dispatch of traffic. −  Informing Pilots Organisations, towage companies, shipping agents and brokers regarding shipping movements. −  Keeping of ship and cargo data in relation to statistics −  Support when dealing with calamities −  Supporting related activities like pilot services, harbour services, MARine POLlution (MARPOL) and Search And Rescue (SAR) −  Collecting and Processing of data −  The VTS in the Scheldemond extends over a territory of 150 km.: from the French-Belgian border, over the Western Scheldt River till the Kallo locks.

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Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)

Reporting When entering a VTS area reporting is compulsory for: −  −  −  − 

Seagoing vessels Inland shipping greater or equal to 1.150 tons Inland shipping with dangerous goods Other professional traffic (advised only)

For traffic channels per area, see maps 118

Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operations Room in Ostend (Belgium)

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Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Vessel’s data

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Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Radar Observations

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Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Vessel entering harbour

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Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Vessel entering harbour

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Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Cameras checking harbour activities

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