In what circumstances is a vessel allowed to navigate through the separation zone of the TSS?

Ans:- Crossing situation in traffic separation scheme (vessel A using traffic separation scheme has vessel B on her own starboard side)

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TSS you observe a vessel crossing from you Starboard side, on a Collision course

Description of scenario TSS:

Vessel A: power-driven vessel using traffic separation scheme
Vessel B: power-driven vessel of 20 m or more in length crossing traffic separation scheme
Area: Traffic separation scheme
Visibility: Good (Vessels in sight of one another)
Vessel A and vessel B are crossing so as to involve risk of collision
Vessel A has vessel B on her own starboard side

Rule(s) to be applied during TSS:

Rule 10 (Traffic separation schemes)
Rule 15 (Crossing situation)
Rule 16 (Action by give-way vessel)

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.
In accordance with Rule 15 (Crossing situation), when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel (vessel A) which has the other (vessel B) on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way.
In accordance with Rule 15 (Crossing situation), vessel A shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of vessel B.
In accordance with Rule 16 (Action by give-way vessel), every vessel (vessel A) which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel (vessel B) shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Traffic Separation Scheme (Rules of the Road – Rule 10):-

This rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule.
A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:
1. Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane.
2. So far as is practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone.
3. 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.
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.
1. 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 meters in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.
2. 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.

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:
- in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;
- to engage in fishing within a separation zone.
A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.
A vessel not using a traffic separating scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.
A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.
A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power driven vessel following a traffic lane.
A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic separating scheme is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.
A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up a submarine cable, within a traffic separating scheme, is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.

Example of a TSS on a chart

A traffic separation scheme or TSS is a maritime traffic-management route-system ruled by the International Maritime Organization or IMO. The traffic-lanes (or clearways) indicate the general direction of the ships in that zone; ships navigating within a TSS all sail in the same direction or they cross the lane in an angle as close to 90 degrees as possible.

TSSs are used to regulate the traffic at busy, confined waterways or around capes. Within a TSS there is normally at least one traffic-lane in each main-direction, turning-points, deep-water lanes and separation zones between the main traffic lanes. Most TSS schemes include 'inshore traffic zones' between the traffic-lanes and the coast. 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. A ship navigating in a traffic-lane should sail in the general direction of that lane. The body of water between two opposite lanes is to be avoided by vessels travelling within the TSS as far as possible except in certain circumstances such as emergencies or for fishing activities. Where needed there are special zones where a lane splits into two channels: one ongoing and the other to the nearby port(s).

The TSS rules are incorporated in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Under Part B, Section I, Rule 10- Traffic Separation Schemes). An individual TSS is controlled by a vessel traffic service.

Objectives

Objectives of IMO Routeing Schemes:

Help reduce and manage head on situations for the streams of opposing traffic
Help manage crossing situation arising while entering or coming out of port
In areas of offshore activities, directives regarding safe distance from the installations
Providing routes for deep draught vessels
Avoiding presence of routine traffic from some areas as desired by administration
Better management of inshore traffic zone, fishing zones and areas dangerous to navigation due to presence of isolated dangers and shoal patches in a high density traffic area.

Crossing

Top: Without current, Bottom: Strong current from the left

If a ship wants to cross a traffic-lane it should do so at a right angle to avoid endangering ship traffic using the traffic-lanes (although traffic in the lane does not automatically have the right-of-way[1]). To minimize the amount of time a crossing ship spend crossing the traffic-lanes, there should be a right angle between the lane direction and the keel direction – even if currents might shift the actual direction of the ship's movement to some angle other than 90 degrees.

Locations

TSSs are used in locations where there is a lot of traffic (busy shipping areas) where not regulating the traffic would lead to more accidents. In Europe, many TSS areas are found around the Southern part of the North Sea including the English Channel. Other TSSs are in place off Land's End and around Ouessant (Ushant).

Well-known TSS locations include the English Channel, German Bight, Singapore, and Cape Horn. The Dover Strait/Détroit du Pas de Calais was the first International Maritime Organisation (IMO) approved traffic separation scheme in the world in 1967.[2][3]

Other TSS areas can be found in the Mediterranean Sea, western side of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific.

References

^ Collision of the Cornelis Vrolijk and the ferry Primrose (Dutch), visited 20 November 2009
^ "The Dover Strait". Dft.gov.uk. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
^ "Fairway" (PDF). Autumn 2011. Retrieved 2012-10-15. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

TSS in the Channel chartlet published by the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency
IMO, Ships' routeing
Article 10 of the anti-collision rules of the German Water and Shipping Authority (in German)

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