Ships' routeing, reporting systems and ocean routeing
1The lesson in plain words
IMO routeing measures and reporting systems shape your route as much as the depths do. Find them all in the appraisal and build them into the plan.
IMO routeing
SOLAS V/10 makes IMO the body that adopts ships' routeing systems for international use. Find these measures in IMO's Ships' Routeing, charts and electronic navigational charts (ENCs). Identify which measures apply to your ship before approving the route. For conduct in a traffic separation scheme (TSS), see the TSS unit.
What each measure does
A TSS separates opposing traffic streams; an inshore traffic zone (ITZ) lies between its inshore boundary and the coast. A two-way route carries traffic in both directions. A deep-water route has defined limits and surveyed depths. A precautionary area calls for particular caution; traffic flow may be recommended. A recommended track has been examined for navigational dangers. Check the published applicability and mandatory or recommended status before approving the route.
Areas to avoid
An area to be avoided (ATBA) protects against navigational hazards or environmental damage and may apply to all ships or specified classes. Mark applicable ATBAs as no-go. A no-anchoring area restricts anchoring; it does not by itself prohibit transit. A particularly sensitive sea area (PSSA) is not automatically no-go: identify and apply its specific associated protective measures, such as routeing or reporting requirements.
Reporting and VTS
SOLAS V/11 covers ship reporting systems; IMO-adopted mandatory systems must be used by the ships they name. SOLAS V/12 covers vessel traffic services (VTS). Plan each reporting point, what to report, on which channel and when. The Dover Strait is a familiar example: a TSS with a mandatory reporting system, CALDOVREP, and traffic services on both coasts.
Where to find it
Use the charts and ENCs, Sailing Directions, IMO's Ships' Routeing, the lists of radio signals for reporting and VTS details, and navigational warnings. Check local regulations, which may add speed limits, pilotage and environmental rules. Seasonal measures, such as whale protection zones, may apply only for part of the year.
Ocean routeing
For ocean routeing charts and publications, see the Ocean passage planning unit. For weather routeing, see the Weather routeing unit.
2Key data
- Ships' routeing
- SOLAS V/10; published in IMO Ships' Routeing
- Ship reporting systems
- SOLAS V/11
- Vessel traffic services
- SOLAS V/12
- Conduct in a TSS
- COLREG Rule 10
- Dover Strait reporting
- CALDOVREP, a mandatory reporting system
3Key points
- 1
Routeing measures (SOLAS V/10) include TSS, deep-water routes, ATBA and precautionary areas.
- 2
Mandatory ship reporting systems (V/11) and VTS (V/12): plan every report and channel.
- 3
Check charts, Sailing Directions, Ships' Routeing, radio signal lists and local rules.
- 4
Use the Ocean passage planning and Weather routeing units for offshore route-planning methods.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: A deep-water route is the recommended route for every ship.
Right: Deep-water routes are for ships that need the depth. Other ships should avoid using them unnecessarily.
Wrong: An area to be avoided is only advice and can be ignored if time is short.
Right: Plan to keep out of an ATBA if it applies to your ship. It protects you from a hazard or protects a sensitive area.
5Practice case & exam keys
Your laden tanker will pass a coastal area with an IMO area to be avoided for tankers, a TSS, a deep-water route and a mandatory reporting system. The shortest track crosses the ATBA. How do you build these into the plan?
Show the answer
Mark the ATBA as no-go for this ship and route outside it. Check which adopted routeing measures apply and plot a compliant route. Check whether the deep-water route is appropriate for your draught; use the TSS unit for navigation conduct. Mark reporting points, report format, channels, times and VTS contacts. Check local speed and environmental rules, and brief the watchkeepers.
Exam keys
- SOLAS V/10 ships' routeing (TSS, ITZ, deep-water route, ATBA, precautionary area, recommended track).
- SOLAS V/11 ship reporting systems; V/12 VTS; COLREG Rule 10 for conduct in a TSS.
- Sources: charts/ENCs, Sailing Directions, IMO Ships' Routeing, radio signal lists, local rules.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, match the terms, then answer three questions. Get them all right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
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