Traffic Separation Scheme

A traffic separation scheme ( TSS abbreviation VTG or English for traffic separation scheme ) is in shipping an area with separate lanes for different directions of travel. Most VTG are used in confined spaces or capes to channel the traffic and produce a very homogeneous traffic flow in order to reduce the risk of collisions. The rules of the road in a VTG are laid down in Rule 10 of the Collision Regulations.

Traffic separation schemes are, for example, in the middle of the English Channel or in the German Bight in several nautical miles off the coastline. Is the coastal traffic zone between the coast line and the traffic separation scheme. Traffic separation schemes are constructed similarly to highways and are made for each direction assigned zones, as well as a separation line or separation zone in the middle, their motor vehicles is prohibited. The external borders and the center line are usually marked by navigation marks at a distance of several miles. The exact geographical locations of the traffic separation schemes are reported in the official charts with the assigned directions. Motor boats over 20 meters in length have to use the traffic separation schemes. Smaller vehicles and sailing ships may use the inshore traffic zone, however.

Rules for crossing a traffic separation scheme

  • The crossing a traffic separation scheme is to be avoided if possible.
  • When a traffic separation scheme is still crossed, then at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
  • For current or high winds which sets the boat, it is important to keep the keel direction at right angles to the general direction of traffic to cross the traffic separation zone as quickly as possible. This course may vary over ground from the right angle.

Very long traffic separation schemes are usually interrupted at a distance of approximately 30 nautical miles for a short distance in order to facilitate the crossing ships. These locations are marked on the chart as dashed arrows ( see figure above). A false crossing can lead to a fine of 150 euros.

Way rules in VTG

Ships have to dodge each other in the TSS according to the rules of the Collision Regulations ( KVR). This also applies to the case where a vehicle passes through the VTG. If a vehicle is following the VTG, compared to a the fairway crossing vehicle according to the KVR elusive subject (eg if a power-driven vessel in a crossing courses with another power-driven vessel of this lies on her starboard side has ), it has to avoid in the VTG, so that vehicles in the VTG ( on tidal waters other than vehicles ) do not have right of way over vehicles that cross the VTG or return to this.

Since vehicles under 20 meters in length and sailing vessels, however, a disability prohibiting vehicles compared to the VTG subject, these vehicles can not force vehicles the following VTG to dodge. Should, however, such a situation ( negligence, unforeseen event, etc. ), the VTG the following vehicle relative to the crossing vehicle less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel in accordance with the KVR must behave and possibly dodge.

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