Sailing Problems Within and Near Traffic Separation Schemes

Abstract

Traffic separation schemes have been established all over the world with the aim of reducing the danger of collision. Field observations have shown that despite the adoption by IMO and the laying down of the schemes on nautical charts a good many vessels do not comply with the steering and sailing rules applicable at traffic separation schemes. This paper attempts to review the apparent difficulties met. Some suggestions for improving of the situation are made.The separation of traffic into two streams moving in opposite directions has been introduced with the aim of reducing the incidence of collisions. Such a measure results in a decrease of the rate of encounters and an almost total elimination of head-on or fine crossing meetings which are considered dangerous especially in restricted visibility. Investigations have confirmed the effectiveness of the measure in achieving the purpose provided that the steps taken are reasonable from a practical point of view.