AMSA has issued a new Marine Notice to remind that the new IMO-adopted Traffic Separation Schemes off the south-west coast of Australia are coming into effect on December 1st, 2016. The two schemes, off Cape Leeuwin and Chatham Island, aim to increase navigational safety to reduce the risk of conflicting traffic and improve maritime safety and environmental protection by keeping ships away from a lee shore.
Use of the Traffic Separation Schemes is recommended, but not mandatory. The schemes are designed to enable ships using them to comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as amended, at all times.
The Australian Hydrographic Service (AHS) will depict the new schemes on relevant paper and electronic charts. AHS will advise by Notices to Mariners when these updates are available.
Shipowners, ship operators and agents are urged to ensure information on the new schemes is made available to their ships operating in the region.
Source: AMSA
