Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemes

a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by theOrganization 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 schemesd) (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, sailingvessels 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 inshoretraffic 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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g)

A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic

separation scheme or in areas near its terminationsh) 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 notimpede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a trafficlane.

k) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an

operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a trafficseparation 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 schemesIntroduction

The traffic separation scheme is based on the principle that in

dense traffic waters and in areas of convergence head-onencounters 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.

www.nepia.com

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These lanes would bedetermined beforehand

and charted. In each

lane traffic would be

allowed to flow in only

one direction.

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By this means, risks ofcollision and grounding and

consequently of pollution

should be reduced to aminimum.

gcaptain.com

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The practice of following predetermined routes for shippingoriginated in 1898 and was adopted, for reasons of safety,

by shipping companies operating passenger ships across

the North Atlantic

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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 ofcollisions was seen between ships

on opposing routes.

At that time, the observance of the

TSS was voluntary. 8


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At the time, observance of the schemes was voluntary, but in 1971 a series ofaccidents 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 offthe Varne shoals and the following night the wreck was struck by the freighter

Brandenburg, which also sank

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Some six weeks later, the freighter Niki struck the wreckage and sank with the lossof all 21 people on board

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As a result, IMO's Maritime Safety Committee meeting inMarch 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 mandatorytraffic scheme, from 1971.

The Conference which adopted the Collision Regulations(COLREGs), in 1972 also made observance of traffic

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Since then, numerous shipsrouteing systems have been

adopted and they can be

found in the publication,

Ships Routeing.

Ships' routeing systems andtraffic separation schemes

that have been approved by

IMO, are contained in the IMOPublication, which is updated

when schemes are amendedor new ones added.

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

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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 ofrouteing measures adopted by IMO. The provisions state that

the objective of ships' routeing is to 'improve the safety ofnavigation in converging areas and in areas where the density

of traffic is great or where freedom of movement of shipping isinhibited by restricted searoom, the existence of obstructions

to navigation, limited depths or unfavourable meteorological

conditions'.

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Related provisions were subsequently

incorporated into the original SOLAS

Convention.

IMO's responsibility for ships' routeing is

enshrined in SOLAS Chapter V, whichrecognizes 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 UnitedNations Convention on Law of The Sea (UNCLOS), which

designates IMO as 'the competent internationalorganization' in matters of navigational safety, safety of

shipping traffic and marine environmental protection.

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Traffic separation schemes and other ship routeing systems have beenestablished 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 existingone, must submit proposed routeing measures to IMO's Sub-Committee on Safety

of Navigation (NAV), which will then evaluate the proposal and make arecommendation regarding its adoption. The recommendation is then passed to

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marine-marchande.net

The accidents by the Varne L/V in 1971 and later, was also a reason for IALA tocreate a new uniform buoyage system which was first introduced in Europe

around mid-April 1977 in 7 phases. It was completed in 1983.

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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).

IMO Resolution A. 572. as amended and A. 858(20)

General Provisions on Ships Routeing

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesDefinitions

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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Definitions

Traffic separation schemeA routeing measure aimed at the separation of opposing streams of

traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes.

1: Traffic flow3: Separation line

4: Separation zone

6: Outside limits 20


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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 line4: Separation zone

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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 schemesDefinitionsRoundabout

A routeing measure comprising a separation point or circular separationzone 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.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesDefinitionsInshore traffic zone

A routeing measure comprising a designated area between the landwardboundary 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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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesDefinitionsTwo-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 schemesDefinitionsRecommended 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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Recommended track

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

7: Recommended track

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesDefinitionsDeep-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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Deep-water route

One-way deep-water route within a traffic lane 29

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesDefinitionsJunction

Separation of traffic at a junction

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Separation of traffic at a junction

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

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesDefinitionsPrecautionary 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 33

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Definitions

Precautionary area

9: Precautionary area with recommended direction of traffic flow

around an area to be avoided 34

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Definitions

Precautionary area

Precautionary area at a junction with recommended directions of traffic flow

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesDefinitionsArea 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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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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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesDefinitionsRecommended 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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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 forrecognized ecological or socio-

economic 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

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Summary

1.

TSS with separation zone2.

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 limits9.

Inshore traffic zone without limits

10.

Recommanded direction

11.

Route for ships other than DW

12.

DW route part of traffic lane 40


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Summary

13.

Two way DW route

14.

Recommanded route withcenterlines

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 41

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Definitions Mandatory Routeing System

Ships' routeing systems contribute to safety of life atsea, safety and efficiency of navigation and/or

protection of the marine environment. Ships' routeing

systems are recommended for use by, and may bemade mandatory for, all ships, certain categories ofships 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 systemadopted by the Organization as required for its

category or cargo carried and in accordance with therelevant 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.

The mandatory use of TSS is regulated by SOLAS,Chapter V/Regulation 10

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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.

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.

It is good practice, when one decides not to use a TSS, to inform the

nearby VTS 43

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The conduct of vessels within or near trafficseparation schemes adopted by IMO are

prescribed in Rule 10 of the International

Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,

1972 (COLREGS 1972).

There are two categories of routing systems:

1.

Traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, etc.

2.

Archipelagic sea lanes

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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Definitions

For more details, updates andrelevant literature, see:

http://imo.org.

OR

International Regulations for

Preventing Collisions at Sea byCapt. Pierre Deseck, M Sc., FNI

http://maritimeknowhow.com

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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))

Other recommended literature

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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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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

!. /!.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesApplication of TSS Rule 10 (a)

Rule 10 only applies to TSSs

adopted by IMO.

This means that Rule 10 DOES NOTapply to TSSs adopted by other

Governments, without IMO approval.

In urgent cases, a Government mayintroduce temporary changes

immediately and implement them

before their adoption by IMO.

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Application of TSS Rule 10 (a)

It is, consequently possible, that in

some territorial waters, Governments

have adopted TSSs that differ from

those adopted by IMO.

Rule 10 will not apply to such TSSsand 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 closeas possible with the

recommendations of Rule 10.

Please consult the appropriate

Sailing Directions and N.t.M. before

entering such waters. amsi.gov.au 50


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Accidents took place in TSSs 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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Separation Zone

Rule 10 does not relieve any vessel of

her obligation under any other Rule

In other words, a TSS isnot a highway giving you

the right of way (specialcircumstances excepted)

If there is a risk ofcollision in a TSS the

other Rules of theColregs continue to apply.

Normally, vessel B should avoidcrossing the traffic lane. But if

there is a risk of collision, vesselA must apply Rule 15 and take

proper avoiding action.

B

A

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The use of TSS Rule 10 (b)

Traffic separation schemes apply to all vessels includingsailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing

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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 schemesUse appropriate traffic lane Rule 10 (b) (i)

Separation Zone

RIGHT

RIGHT

Always proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the generaldirection of traffic flow for that lane.

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesUse appropriate traffic lane Rule 10 (b) (i)

Separation Zone

WRONG

RIGHT

It is a severe offence to sail in the wrong direction in a trafficlane.

(See par. (k) and (l) for exceptions). 56



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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 mayconsider 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 itdifficult to rejoin her initial lane.

Traffic separation lines or zones are usually not markedby buoys. The vessels position must therefore

continuously be monitored.

A

B

C

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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.

Always keep clear of the outer limit which separates thetraffic 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

A

B

C

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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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pJoining or leaving a traffic lane Rule 10 (b) (iii)

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pJoining or leaving a traffic lane Rule 10 (b) (iii)

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Rule 10 Traffic separation schemesJoining or leaving a traffic lane Rule 10 (b) (iii)

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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Make regular checks, using all available means,

to ensure yourself that the vessel is and stays inthe appropriate lane.

This applies in good as well as in restricted

visibility.

All available means includes:

! Radar

!Satnav

! AIS

! Ecdis

!

Etc. 63


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ECDIS must clearly show:

All navigational marks

All known dangers Information re ships routeing

Ship reporting measures

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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

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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.

Crossing a traffic lane Rule 10 (c)

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To permit local coastal navigation (not to beused when traffic lane can be safely used)

To keep coastal shipping away from trafficpassing 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

Inshore traffic zones Rule 10 d (i)

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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

Inshore traffic zones Rule 10 d (ii)

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pInshore traffic zones Rule 10 d (i) and (ii)

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pInshore traffic zones Rule 10 d (ii)

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pInshore traffic zones Rule 10 d (i)

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pInshore traffic zones Rule 10 d (i)

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pInshore traffic zones Rule 10 d (ii)

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p

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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Separation zones; Separation lines Rule 10 e (ii)

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Separation zones; Separation lines Rule 10 e (ii)

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TSS terminations Rule 10 (f)

converging

anddiverging traffic

convergingand

diverging traffic

Be cautious, especially inrestricted visibility

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p

TSS Terminations Rule 10 (f)

IMPORTANT REMARKTerminations in TSS may well be the weakest link in the system. Often heavyconcentrations are spotted with converging and diverging traffic, especially in the

vicinity of large harbours. This occurrence may even be more important aroundweek-ends when ships leave the harbour for their journey or to call at other ports

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Anchoring in a TSS Rule 10 (g)

In agreement with Rule 9 (g) vessels should avoid to anchor in a trafficseparation 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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Not using a TSS Rule 10 (h)

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

WRONG

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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

Fishing vessels in a TSS Rule 10 (i)

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesFi hi l i TSS


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Vessels that may not impede the safe passageof a power-driven vessel

Vessels of less than 20m

Sailing vessels of any length

Vessels of less than 20 m in length or sailingvessels in a TSS Rule 10 (j)

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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 schemesLarge vessels versus small ones in a TSS R l 10 (j)


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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 arenot easy to handle. They have a large turning circle and a huge stopping distance;

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Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesDredgers buoying ships etc in a TSS R l 10 (k)


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Dredgers, buoying ships, etc., in a TSS Rule 10 (k)

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesCable layers in a TSS Rule 10 (l)


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Cable layers in a TSS Rule 10 (l)

Rule 10 - Traffic separation schemesD d b i hi bl l t i TSS


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Dredgers, buoying ships, cable layers etc., in a TSSRule 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 Ships Routeing)

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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 waterswith 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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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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Strait of Dover

The narrowest part of the English Channel

Most maritime traffic between theAtlantic Oceanand the Northand

Baltic Seaspasses 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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This situation has made safetya critical issue

HM Coastguard maintains a 24-hour watch over the Strait and

enforces a strict regime of shipping lanes.


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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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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 110



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Part of the Operations Room at Dover MRCC


www.mcga.gov.uk

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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


www.mcga.gov.uk

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Radar antenna at DoverDover CNIS is a Coastal VesselTraffic Information Service

(VTIS)

CNIS broadcasts on VHF 11

every 60 minutes (every 30

minutes if restricted visibility) togive 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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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

Identification System (AIS) transponders.


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1.

Inshore traffic zone2.

Traffic lane

3.

Separation zone

4.

Separation line

5.

Separation zone between lane and inshore traffic

6.

Separation line at the limit of a lane

7.

DW route

8.

Junction


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Definition of VTS

! A service established by a competent authority to improve thesecurity and efficiency of maritime traffic and to protect theenvironment. These services must be able to communicate with the

traffic, to react and anticipate on dangerous traffic situations whichcan develop in a VTS region.

! The Scheldt Radar Network consist of five manned traffic centresand 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.

Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)

Scheldemond - VTS SM

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The duties of the Radar Network via the VTS are:



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! Organizing and supporting the shipping traffic. This duty includesvarious sub-tasks such as assistance in navigation, supplying

information regarding meteorological and hydrologicalcircumstances, implementing the access policy, maintaining andguarding of passage plans, checking compliance with legislation andregulations, for example in the area of traffic behaviour and thetransport of hazardous goods.

! Supplying information like informing the locks with regard to trafficvolumes which is of great importance for an efficient dispatch oftraffic.

! Informing Pilots Organisations, towage companies, shipping agentsand 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 tillthe Kallo locks.

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Reporting

When entering a VTS area reporting is compulsoryfor:

!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

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Operations Room in Ostend (Belgium)


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Vessels data


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Vessel s data

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Radar Observations


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Radar Observations

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Vessel entering harbour


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Cameras checking harbour activities


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Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes

Documents