CHIRP annual digest 2016 6th

CHIRP Annual Digest 2016
TSS. Beware oncoming vessels may also be wishing to
exit the TSS at the same point you intend to such as
to meet a pilot station and indeed “your” pilot station
at a similar time. Thus timings will change and
converging traffic will need to be identified early. Such
AIS information may well be incorrect but it adds to
your lookout and situational awareness.
Execution
■ The best use of approach speed according to the
planning phase is intended for the crossing turn to be
executed in one seamless manoeuvre. It will be clear
in intent to other traffic to achieve best safe BCR of
oncoming traffic and put your vessel on a safe
crossing ahead movement of bearing relative to the
oncoming TSS traffic. As such, close quarters situa -
tions and Rule 10 concerns will be professionally
avoided.
■ When commencing your crossing turn…
1. Make it EARLY and BOLD at the beginning to
signal intent to oncoming traffic.
2. Reduce the rate of turn to maintain control and
closely follow the stern of the last vessel in the
oncoming TSS lane that you intend to pass
ASTERN of.
3. Keep the stern of the vessel you are crossing
behind, close on your bow, around one point or
ten degrees in angle as you turn towards her but
DO NOT allow your bow to cross her and
confuse her with your intent.
4. Follow the stern of the vessel you are passing
behind in one large sweeping curve fine on the
bow until you reach your right angle or ninety
degrees ship’s head to that of the oncoming TSS
traffic you intend to pass ahead of.
5. Pass as close as is safe to the stern of the vessel
you are passing behind to ensure maximum BCR
of the vessel you are crossing ahead of… You will
never collide with the vessel you are a passing
behind even if close as they will be steaming
directly away from you by this time. They will
watch your manoeuvre clear in intent and know
they are steaming away from you at all times as
long as your bow does is not allowed to come
too far in the turn as to be pointing towards or
ahead of them.
6. Closest behind the last means furthest ahead of
the next.
7. Merging with a lane still involves point of entry
planning and timely arrival will ensure best BCR
even if this manoeuvre involves safer turning way.
The broad sweeping turn in this case to follow
the stern of the vessel going ahead of you to
show your intent to the crossing vessel on your
bow that will then follow you up the routing.
Completion
■ A point of caution on exiting a TSS to a nearby pilot
station. To pick up a pilot may most likely need a
reduction in speed. If there are delays at the pilot
station there may be queued pilot boarding traffic and
being at the back of that queue could mean your
position being backed up into the TSS. If so ensure
your clear the TSS lane and wait in a safe vicinity near
the pilot boarding ground.
■ If crossing both TSS lanes to move from one side of
the scheme to the other you will need to do all of the
above TWICE in relatively quick succession… As such
the look ahead planning and monitoring is doubly
critical.
Finally … Timing and speed
■ Remember timing is key to making all the above
happen at the safest BCR opportunity. We create that
timing by early adjustment of safe speed for the
safest time and point of crossing matched to the
optimum gap in traffic. The speed needs to be slow
enough to match the timely arrival but then fast
enough to cross the TSS quickly and effectively. Plan
to arrive slowly to give your plan flexibility and
adjustment then cross quickly if possible to be
effective. Mindful you may then need to slow again
immediately on TSS exit or to merge with other TSS
traffic at then similar speeds and find a safe “slot” to
follow others in the lane at similar speed avoiding any
early overtaking traffic or navigation “squeeze” until
the safety of that next manoeuvre has been fully
assessed.
Conclusion
Safely crossing a congested TSS is all about timing…
Planning ahead… Monitoring continually… Adjusting speed
to match… One clear safe alteration of course signalling
clear intent on an opening bearing from you and crossing
ahead bearings from other traffic… Maintaining the
maximum BCR by following tight around the stern of the
vessel you are passing behind. Be aware other vessels may
well be altering course unpredictably… Just as you will be
to them! Keep alterations of course to the minimum to
make your intentions clear and all this follows from
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