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Traffic Separation Scheme

Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) have been with us for nearly four decades. They emerged following a series of accidents in the English Channel where, over a span of just a few years, a number of ships were sunk or disabled and the lives of over 50 crew members lost. Since then TSS have been established in other localities where the geographical features bring ships together in dangerous proximity. The various actions were taken under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the obligations of all mariners regarding TSS is now covered in Rule 10 of the Colregs.

Basically, a TSS divides shipping into two lanes – in the English Channel, one eastbound and the other westbound – and obliges large vessels to use them. Between the lanes is a no-go area known as a ‘separation zone’, in many ways similar to the central reservation of a dual carriageway. The inshore regions outside the TSS remain unregulated – apart from, of course, our wider obligations under the Colregs.

For recreational boaters TSS bring both benefits and obstacles. By channelling large vessels into well defined lanes, we at least know where and what to expect. On the other hand, crossing the lanes at low speed can be a tense experience, perhaps akin to that of a hedgehog crossing a motorway.

However, our obligations are clear. Part of Rule 10 states:

“A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.”

The object, understandably, being to get us out of the way as quickly as possible for our own safety. And note that it says ‘heading’ not ‘course’. The important thing to remember is that no attempt should be made to compensate for the tide as this would, in effect, mean spending longer than necessary in the lane. The illustration below shows the right and wrong way to cross the lanes.