Ship’s Routeing System - Purpose and general principles

Summary

The video discusses the purpose of ship routing, which enhances navigation safety in congested areas or regions with obstacles, limited depths, or challenging weather conditions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) oversees global ship routing measures, while national governments handle routing decisions within their territorial waters. Ship routing systems are designed for use in various conditions and are essential for all vessels, though some may require local knowledge or additional caution. The video highlights the importance of proper surveying and the role of Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) in ensuring safe and efficient shipping routes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ship routing aims to enhance the safety of navigation in busy or restricted areas.
• 😀 The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for establishing global ship routing measures.
• 😀 National governments manage routing decisions in their own territorial waters, though these plans can be submitted to the IMO for approval.
• 😀 Routing systems are designed for use in all weather conditions, day or night, and in ice-free waters.
• 😀 Ship routing systems are recommended for all vessels unless otherwise specified.
• 😀 Vessels must consider charted depths, seabed changes, and meteorological effects before using routing systems.
• 😀 The existence of a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) does not mean that areas have been surveyed in detail for deep-draft vessels.
• 😀 Rule 10 of the 'Rules of the Road' applies to vessels near Traffic Separation Schemes but does not replace other maritime rules.
• 😀 Authorities that create routing systems not adopted by the IMO must establish their own regulations for use.
• 😀 Certain areas may be off-limits or require local knowledge, such as inadequately surveyed regions.
• 😀 Only IMO-approved routing schemes are mandatory for use by ships.

Q & A

What is the purpose of ship routing?

The purpose of ship routing is to improve the safety of navigation in areas with high traffic density, converging areas, or areas with restricted movement due to factors such as obstructions, limited depths of water, or unfavorable meteorological conditions.

Which organization is responsible for establishing and recommending ship routing measures internationally?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is recognized as the sole body responsible for establishing and recommending ship routing measures on an international level.

Who is responsible for decisions concerning ship routing in territorial waters?

National governments are responsible for decisions concerning ship routing in areas that lie wholly within their territorial waters.

Can national governments submit their ship routing schemes to the IMO for approval?

Yes, national governments can submit their ship routing schemes to the IMO for approval, even if those schemes lie wholly within their territorial waters.

Are routing systems intended for use in all weather conditions?

Yes, routing systems are intended for use day and night, in all weather conditions, in ice-free waters, or under light conditions or ice conditions where no extraordinary maneuvers or icebreaker assistance are required.

What should be considered before deciding to use a routing system?

Before deciding to use a routing system, one must consider the charted depth, the possibility of changes in the seabed since the last survey, and the effects of meteorological and tidal conditions on water depths.

Does the existence of a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) imply better surveying of traffic lanes?

No, the existence of a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) does not imply that the traffic lanes have been better surveyed than adjacent areas. Deep draft vessels should not assume the lanes are adequately surveyed without studying charted depths and source data.

Does Rule 10 of the rules of the road apply to all vessels in Traffic Separation Schemes?

Yes, Rule 10 of the rules of the road applies to all vessels in or near Traffic Separation Schemes adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). However, it does not relieve vessels of their obligations under other rules.

What should authorities do if they establish a routing system not adopted by the IMO?

Authorities who establish a routing system that is not adopted by the IMO should lay down the regulations governing its use.

Are all IMO-approved routing schemes mandatory for ships?

Yes, only IMO-approved routing schemes are mandatory for use by ships.