Traffic Separation Schemes (VTGs) are established where maritime traffic is concentrated off the coast - for example in the area of approaches. These are geographically defined and labelled one-way fairways that are separated by a safety zone.
In Germany, there are VTGs in the German Bight (North Sea), where they direct shipping to the seaports and in the opposite direction. In the Baltic Sea, traffic is regulated in this way around the approach to Kiel Fjord and in the treacherous, very narrow Kadet Channel between the Darß and the Danish island of Falster.
Always at right angles
A traffic separation scheme must not be crossed at random. If at all possible, this must take place on a course at right angles to the alignment of the one-way lanes (see Figure A). "Holding ahead" to shorten the route over ground is not permitted.
Although you run the risk of being displaced by wind and current, which increases the distance travelled, your own boat, which is small anyway, also offers a better radar profile for the "big ones", and their intention to cross the area is clearly visible.
As a general rule, vehicles less than 20 metres in length must not obstruct the passage of a machine vehicle on the one-way route. Their speed of often more than 20 knots must always be taken into account during a sighting.
Basis: Rule 10 of the KVR
A traffic separation scheme (TSS) is defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The legal basis for this is Rule 10 of the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions (COLREGs). It includes the following provisions:
- Vehicles less than 20 metres in length, sailing vessels and fishing vessels may not obstruct the machine vehicles on the one-way track.
- Always drive in the specified or recommended direction of traffic (as indicated by the arrows).
- Ride as far in front of the dividing line as possible or keep clear of the dividing zone (i.e. ride on the far right).
- Exit or enter at the ends of the traffic separation scheme or from the side at as small an angle as possible to the general direction of traffic.
- Avoid crossing if possible, but if you do, do so with the keel at right angles to the general direction of traffic.
- You may not cross the dividing line or zone except in an emergency and when crossing (fishing vessels in the dividing zone are exempt).
- Take care in entry and exit areas.
- Anchoring only in an emergency.
- Anyone not using the traffic separation scheme must keep as much distance as possible.
- Vessels with impaired manoeuvrability that carry out work in the VTG to maintain and safeguard navigation or lay underwater cables are exempt from complying with the navigation rules if necessary.
Further provisions
The collective term for the definition of shipping routes at international level is "routing". Traffic separation schemes belong to this group.
The coastal traffic zone between the VTG and the mainland may be used by vessels under 20 metres in length, sailing vessels and fishing vessels. It is intended for coastal traffic in both directions.
Deep water routes have defined boundaries that are carefully examined for cleanliness of the seabed and underwater obstacles - they are labelled with the letters DW on the nautical chart.
The traffic separation scheme in the nautical chart
The symbols for "Tracks and Routes" for traffic routing are listed under the code letter M in Map 1 (INT 1) (see Figure B):
- Traffic separation zone with one-way shipping lanes, separation zone and boundary.
- Crossing of traffic separation schemes.
- Recommended traffic direction between two nearby traffic separation schemes.
- Recommended route, the course of which is marked here by centre fairway buoys.
- Fixed route whose traffic directions are merely recommendations.
- Caution area with an area to be avoided in the centre, where an additional navigation aid - in this case a large buoy - is displayed.
