200134 Use of the Inshore Traffic Zone

Use of the Inshore Traffic Zone
Report No. 200134

A vessel wished to proceed westward along the north coast of France from the anchorage at Saint Vaast la Hougue towards Ushant. A request was made to Jobourg Traffic for the vessel to pass through the Channel Islands Inshore Traffic Zone because of the prevailing inclement weather and the fact that there was no other visible traffic in the Inshore Zone.

This request was refused. The reason given was that the departure point was outside the boundary of the Inshore Zone and therefore Rule 10(d) applied. The vessel was advised either to pass between the French Coast and the Channel Islands (Option A) or to cross the eastbound lane of the TSS and proceed via the westbound lane (Option B).
The person refusing permission to pass through the Inshore Zone obviously thought that he was interpreting the Rule in the correct way. Paragraph 10(d) (ii) states that:

"Notwithstanding subparagraph (d) (I), a vessel may use an inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone or to avoid immediate danger".

 

 

Was the Master justified in asking to pass through this Inshore Zone? The area around Les Cascuets is subject to notorious currents. Should Traffic advisers interpret the Rules in a more lenient way and permit a special request to use the Inshore Zone when presented with a reason for doing so by the Master? The strict attitude by the French is understandable in light of recent events. What is your opinion?

Comment on MARS 200134

Having spent over six years as Master on ferries to and from the Channel Islands, I know the waters around there fairly well. Two points omitted from the report were the vessel's size, speed etc. and the actual weather (it just states inclement - what was this - fog, high winds, if so which direction, heavy swell etc).

Option A

This requires the vessel to transit the Race of Alderney. The tides here run up to 10 knots with numerous overfalls and whirlpools. I have known small coasters being swung through 180 degrees by the power of the tides. If the vessel was small the Master would have to be satisfied that tidal conditions were favourable for transit, whatever the state of the weather. A large, well powered vessel would not have this problem and the route is deep at all points and would not cause navigational difficulties - although he would still have to cross inward traffic somewhere between the Channel Islands and Ushant. There is also the point that, unless the Master was familiar with the area, time would be very short to make a "suitable and sufficient" passage plan to go through the Race - whatever size ship.

Option B

If the Master wanted to use the inshore zone it is likely that the course of about 340 was the cause of concern (high SW winds??) and this would be hazardous for a small vessel. Again, a larger vessel should not be so concerned.

Essentially, I feel that if the Master was concerned about the safety of his ship, Joburg were wrong to remove his discretion. It is also of dubious legality!!

Further Comment on MARS 200134 - Use of inshore traffic zone

Comment 1

I believe that the French authorities decision, based on the interpretation of the rule, is absolutely correct. "Inclement weather" does not imply "immediate danger". If this was the case, the vessel would be unseaworthy and should not be at sea at all. Based on the two options, option "B" appears to be the safest and most appropriate. The Master was not justified in asking to pass through the inshore zone. I believe the term "immediate danger" within the meaning of this rule is meant to refer to situations where the vessel is either not under command and out of control or is taking action to prevent collision under rule 17 to avoid a rogue vessel.

Comment 2

On a channel transit last winter I heard both the British and French Coastguards make what I thought to be strange decisions in refusing two ships the use of the inshore traffic zones. The weather was severe. When a small ship reported to Dover and asked permission to use the inshore zone because of the weather, this was refused on the grounds he was not bound to or from British ports. This is bureaucracy gone mad and the master should have used the inshore zone if he felt the weather necessitated, and believe me, the weather was bad. Later, further west, I heard Joburg refuse a ship permission to use the French inshore traffic zone from the Casquets to Ushant. I missed the start of the request but it sounds very similar to MARS 200134. The master was told he could proceed through the Raz de Alderney. Again, bureaucratic lunacy, and I should be interested to hear others' views. It seems the Coastguards do not appreciate the rationale of the Inshore Traffic Zones. I got the impression this was a low powered ship and the Alderney Race is no place for such vessels.