Ship Routeing and its Elements
Ships’ routeing
It is the practice of following predetermined routes. It was adopted, for reasons of safety, by shipping companies operating passenger ships across the North Atlantic. Related provisions were subsequently incorporated into the original SOLAS Convention.
Elements used in traffic routeing systems include:
1) Traffic separation scheme: a routeing measure aimed at the separation of opposing streams of traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes
2) Traffic lane: an area within defined limits in which one-way traffic is established. natural obstacles, including those forming separation zones, may constitute a boundary
3) Separation zone or line: a zone or line separating traffic lanes in which ships are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions; or separating a traffic lane from the adjacent sea area; or separating traffic lanes designated for particular classes of ship proceeding in the same direction
4) Roundabout: a separation point or circular separation zone and a circular traffic lane within defined limits
5) Inshore traffic zone: a designated area between the landward boundary of a traffic separation scheme and the adjacent coast
6) Recommended route: a route of undefined width, for the convenience of ships in transit, which is often marked by centreline buoys
7) Deep-water route: a route within defined limits which has been accurately surveyed for clearance of sea bottom and submerged articles
8) Precautionary area: an area within defined limits where ships must navigate with particular caution and within which the direction of flow of traffic may be recommended
9) Area to be avoided: an area within defined limits in which either navigation is particularly hazardous or it is exceptionally important to avoid casualties and which should be avoided by all ships, or by certain classes of ships
Ref: IMO Website
