Mars Reports 2014
The Nautical Institute has issued Mars Report No 18/2014 on risky crossing ofa Traffic Separation Scheme.
A cargo vessel was on a regular service that required her to routinely cross a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). The passage plan required a close approach to the south-west traffic lane on a course of 192 degrees (T) and then, with a course alteration to port, cross the traffic lane at right angles. Although dark and windy (SW force 4), the visibility was good. The OOW was in charge of the bridge watch with the Master and a lookout in attendance. The vessel’s speed over the ground was 9.5 knots. The OOW had been plotting the radar tracks of four vessels in the south-west lane, which he considered might be cause for concern once the cargo vessel reached the waypoint at the edge of the traffic lane. He briefed the Master on his observations, concluding that one of the vessels, a bulk carrier, would be a problem once the cargo vessel had altered course to port to cross the lane.
The Master assessed that if they altered course at the waypoint without significantly losing speed, they would pass safely ahead of three of the vessels and, if they continued to turn to port, would pass safely astern of the bulk carrier in question. He advised the OOW of his intentions and then took the con. At the waypoint, the Master ordered a slow alteration of course to port. During the turn, with their vessel heading 125 degrees (T) and the bulk carrier bearing 082 degrees (T) at a range of 2.04 miles, the bulk carrier’s OOW made several calls on VHF radio Channel 16 to clarify the crossing vessel’s intentions. None was heard on board the cargo vessel.
The cargo vessel stopped turning on a heading of 093 degrees (T) with the bulk carrier fine on her starboard bow at a range of 1.4 miles. She then slowly turned to starboard, keeping the bulk carrier on her starboard bow, and finally steadied on her planned course to cross the traffic lane.
Lessons learned |
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View relevant photos by clicking at Mars Report 201418 issued by The Nautical Institute
Source: The Nautical Institute/ Mars Report
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