Page 31 - CHIRP annual digest 2016.pdf

CHIRPAnnual Digest 2016

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

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