How does a traffic separation scheme work?

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; Meaning: The ship shall go in the direction of the lane – not opposite and not at too great an angle to the lane as marked on the chart.

How do you cross in a traffic separation scheme?

In accordance with Rule 10 (c) (Traffic separation schemes), 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.

Is TSS mandatory?

Missing Mandatory reporting For some, the reporting is required just before joining a lane and on the VHF. For others, it may be required a couple of days before entry into the TSS and through the email. For example, using Dover Strait require all the vessel over 300 GRT to do mandatory reporting.

Who has right of way in a traffic separation scheme?

Assuming that navigating within a traffic lane gives you right of way over other traffic. Rule 10 a states that “This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule.”

What is the meaning of traffic separation scheme?

Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) means a routing measure aimed at the separation of opposing streams of traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes.

What is the purpose of traffic separation schemes?

The purpose of providing Principal Fairways and Traffic Separation Schemes is to improve the safety of navigation in areas where traffic density is high or traffic movement is restricted.

What rule is safe speed?

§ 83.06 Safe speed (Rule 6). Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

What is Itz of a traffic separation scheme TSS?

A traffic separation scheme or TSS is a maritime traffic-management route-system ruled by the International Maritime Organization or IMO. The inshore traffic zone is unregulated and is not intended to be used for through traffic but rather for local traffic, fishing and small craft.

What is the purpose of creating a traffic separation scheme?

A Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) is created to regulate the flow of traffic of vessels in congested waters. In extremely busy approaches such as in areas of Singapore or China, the role and importance of a TSS cannot be stressed upon enough.

What is the importance of traffic separation scheme?

Their purpose is to reduce traffic density, and usually lessen the incidence of encounters between ships on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses, which are the most dangerous kind.

What is a marine traffic separation zone?

A traffic separation zone is a zone separating the lanes in which ships are proceeding in opposite o r nearly opposite directions; or separating traffic lanes designated for particular classes of ships proceeding in the same direction (IMO Ships Routeing, 6th Edition).

Who is responsible for the routeing of the ship?

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. Rule 10 of the COLREGs prescribes the conduct of vessels when navigating through traffic separation schemes adopted by IMO.

How are traffic separation schemes used in the sea?

A traffic separation scheme (or ‘TSS’) is an area in the sea where navigation of ships is highly regulated. Each TSS is designed to create lanes in the water with ships in a specific lane all travelling in (roughly) the same direction.

Is the Traffic Separation Scheme ruled by the IMO?

A Traffic Separation Scheme or TSS is a traffic-management route-system ruled by the International Maritime Organization or IMO.

What is Rule 10 of the Traffic Separation Scheme?

In accordance with Rule 10 (c) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel (vessel B) 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.

When do you need a traffic separation system?

A TSS is typically created in locations with large numbers of ship movements and vessels travelling in different directions and where there might otherwise be a high risk of collisions. Details of traffic separation schemes and similar routing-systems can be found on Admiralty charts.