To improve the flow of traffic to and from the Yangtze River and Shanghai port as well as safely navigating towards the North or South along the coast, the Shanghai MSA office has issued a notice on strengthening the vessel traffic management in Changjiangkou.
As the Standard Club informs, its correspondent Oasis P&I has released a circular issuing guidance on the new requirements.
According to the circular, the Changjiangkou ship routing system includes both a North-South and an East-West zone and experiences heavy traffic which often leads to complex navigational situations.
The new requirements will assist in easing the traffic flow, enhance the communication between the ships and the VTS and reduce the risk of collision.
Recommended routing for passing by vessels navigating from south or north
The passing by vessels from south or north navigate in Changjiangkou and its adjacent waters are recommended north-south customary route along the longitude 123 °00 ′E) or the diversion waters. (between longitude 122 °45 ′E and 122 °50 ′E).
Precautions for navigation
Vessels shall make the voyage plan according to the navigation environment and hydro-meteorological conditions, taking into account their own performance of wind resistance, distribution of fishing vessels and fishing nets and other factors, comply with the onnavigational safety and efficiency, and comply with the International rules of collision avoidance by sea (1972) and Changjiangkou Ship Routing System (2008) and other relevant provisions.
Requirements for ship anchoring
Vessels shall reasonably select the anchorage according to the sailing plan, ship etc. Vessels shall verify their intentions with other vessels to avoid collision when entering or leaving the anchorage. Vessels shall not anchor in the Diversion waters, and shall report to VTS immediately when dropping anchor in an emergency.
Precautions for Sailing in the South Channel
Vessels sailing through the Jiuduansha Precautionary Area to the South Channel Pilot Waters in strong wind and waves condition, shall pay attention to the water depth changes near the channel boundary.
