GENERAL PROVISIONS ON SHIPS' ROUTEING
The purpose of ships’ routing is to improve the safety of navigation
1. in converging areas
2. in areas where the density of traffic is great
3. In areas where the freedom of movement of shipping is
inhibited
• by restricted sea-room,
• the existence of obstructions to navigation,
• limited depths
4. In areas of unfavourable meteorological conditions.
Definitions
The following terms are used in connection with matters related to ships'
routeing.
Routeing system
Any system of one or more routes and/or routeing measures aimed at reducing
the risk or casualties; it includes
a) traffic separation schemes f) areas to be avoided
b) inshore traffic zones g) deep water routes
c) Established direction h) two-way routes
d) Recommended direction i) recommended tracks
e) Roundabouts
f) precautionary areas
g) Focal points
(a) Traffic separation scheme:- A routeing measure separating opposing streams of
traffic by appropriate means and establishment of traffic lanes.
Separation ZONE
Traffic Separation Line
Lanes
Traffic lanes (1) :-An
area within defined
limits in which one way
traffic is established.
Natural obstacles,
including those forming
separation zones, may
constitute a boundary.
Separation zone (4) or line (3): 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 inshore traffic zone.
Outer Boundary (6) : Area outside of the TSS
TSS formed by Natural Obstructions
Inshore Traffic Zones:- A routeing measure intended for local traffic between
the main TSS and the adjacent coast. Ships which have business in the adjacent coasts
can navigate in any direction within this area. The inshore zone may contain a
sub-TSS meant for local traffic.
Note:- Where there is a designated
inshore traffic zone ,then the main TSS
will be bounded by “separation Line or
Zone” and not “dotted dashes”.
Established direction Recommended direction
Established direction means Recommended direction means:- suggested
the mandatory direction to general direction to follow, but not
follow within a TSS. mandatory. Usually when going from one
TSS to another TSS. ( See your English
Symbol is
Channel chart). Symbol is
“dotted Arrow”
Within a single TSS “Zone-to-Line-to-
Zone” may be used at times to indicate
area suggested crossing traffic. But
“Zone-to –Line-to-Zone” method may remember that a line may replace a zone
be used to indicate crossing traffic at a also where the LANE becomes narrow. As
junction a prudent mariner expect crossing traffic
anywhere!!
FOCAL POINTS :- Area where ships from different directions
“converge” at a local area. Eg a port having approach from different
directions and through different TSSs.
Round-abouts
• Anticlockwise flow
•May consist of 4-5-
6 TSS converging
•Size of Roundabout
•All rules of ROR
applies
Other types of Junctions or Cross-overs
Junctions where instead of a
roundabout a “an “interrupted”
Separation Zone ( SQUARE/
?rectangle) is placed.
Note:- No established direction at
the junction. Counterclockwise is
recommended with prudence. At
the junction Rules 13-19 take
precedence over Rule 10.- AS
ALWAYS!!!!
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 AREAS:- contd. Used where it is not
practical to establish a roundabout or an “interrupted” separation zone.
•Junction not broad enough to form
a”roundabout”.
•If possible avoid this area.
•If using follow the anticlockwise
principle.
•Junction not broad enough to form
a”roundabout” or the TSSs are not
at right angles etc.
•If possible avoid this area. Navigate
with caution due to sharp
alteration required.
•If using follow the anticlockwise
principle.
Other Routeing types:- Recommended “TRACKS” ( eg
ASL etc)
Two-way route: A route within
Recommended track:- A route defined limits inside which two-way
which has been specially examined traffic is established, aimed at
to ensure so far as possible that it providing safe passage of ships
is free of dangers and along which through waters where navigation is
ships are advised to navigate. difficult or dangerous.
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.
