This is the 22^nd year of the Channel Navigation Information Service at MRCC Dover on Langdon Battery. The figures steadily increased year by year but levelling out over recent years since the introduction of Mandatory Reporting in July 1999.

　

　That statement is perhaps a little misleading, the figures have increased in terms that more vessels on passage through or across the Dover Strait are known due to the introduction of Mandatory Reporting. However, the exact number of vessels utilising the Strait for passage may never be known, certainly vessels have become larger in capacity and size, the Berge Stahl is testament to that and quite a frequent visitor to these waters.

　

　This report covers the period 1^st January 2002 until 31^st December 2002, a real year, not one of those financial ones, to show the increase mentioned above, in 2001 there were 96,388 reports from vessels on passage, which you have to admit is quite impressive.

　

　However, this year's total number of ship reports processed by CNIS operators is an amazing

　This figure has never been reached before and approximately 9,000 increase on last year.

　

　There's more... that number equates to a Deadweight (DWT) tonnage of:

　This is an approximate increase of 200,000 on the 2001 figure, a figure that just seems to grow and grow.

　

　

　A significant reduction on 2002 figure of 392, there were 134 vessels reported for Rule 10 contraventions, of these 106 were identified, plot sheets, letters and analysis reports were completed and forwarded to the respective Flag states for investigation.

　

　Some Flag states have responded quickly with any action they may have taken, this action varies from state to state, there have been, 'slap on the wrist' and warnings, to fines and even dismissal of the Master and/or OOW, primarily depending on the severity of the contravention.

　

　On the other side of the coin, a response or acknowledgement has never been received from some Flag states, so it is not possible to ascertain if any action has been taken.

　

　Fishing vessels have accounted for a considerable number of rogue reports, at least one third of the total.

　

　The EITZ saw its fair share of rogues in 2002 there were 23 in total who thought it necessary to contravene rule 10(d).

　

　

　Another successful reduction in numbers, 2001 saw 618 zombies, 2002 has 413 actuals with 298 identified, this may seem quite a substantial number, but it is only 1% of the total SW bound traffic, a number that it is hoped will reduce in 2003.

　

　During 2002, a chartlet was dispatched with zombie reports to the owner/managers and the Flag State, this shows the line by which time they should have reported. It is quite probable that vessels read that the line is when they have to report, hence the sometime 'grid-lock' at the Mid Falls buoy of those vessels trying to contact CNIS.

　

　A bridge card has also been devised this year and submitted to the Staff Suggestion Scheme, it is hoped this would be sent to Owners/agents/managers and Flag states to circulate around their fleet. It contains a pictorial representation of the TSS and indicates when vessels can report and when they should have reported, it also shows what details are required and on which channel to call. It is hoped there will be a marked reduction in Zombies in 2003 with the help of this card.

　

　The new system is AIS compliant and this will be another method of vessels reporting into the scheme, this will alleviate some of the VHF calls but not others. AIS is only as good as the operator entering the information on board so VTS operators will still have to be as vigilant and observant as ever.

　

　

　45 incidents have occurred in 2002, these include collisions and HAZREP's, not all HAZREP's were reported by the vessel(s) involved, but were deemed to be in a situation that the CNIS operators observed and thought worthy of a report.

　

　There have been 5 collisions in the Dover Strait in 2002, that does not include the TRICOLOR, out of radar range of Dover, and in the West Hinder TSS, not Dover, again a significant reduction on the previous years figure of 11.

　

　Of those 5 one, actually the first of last year, occurred on 6^th January in fog and involved a HSC and a RORO ferry, SEACAT DIAMANT and NORTHERN MERCHANT, this could be considered a minor bump, but the potential for a major disaster is obvious. This case is still ongoing and is due to be dealt with in court during April.

　

The other four collisions involved the following vessels:

　

18.01.2002　PRIMROSE & CORNELIS VROLIJK

07.02.2002　GUDRUN & YANN MARIE

18.08.2002　SLOTERGRACHT & CATHARINA OLDENDORFF

11.11.2002　DOCELAKE & SOUTHERN STAR

　Thankfully none of the collisions in 2002 were, or could be, considered major, bumps and scrapes but no loss of life and no sunken vessels.

　

　Of the 40 HAZREP's, some were more serious than others, details collated and remain on file until requested by Communications and Innovation Branch. MAIB are sent plots and analysis they require, this mainly for UK registered vessels in order to conduct their impartial investigation.

　

　Results following MAIB investigations can be found on their web site or the Safety Digest.

　

　

　There has been considerable disruption during 2002 with the refurbishment programme, this includes a new radar system supplied by Norcontrol IT to replace the existing EDS system which is nearing the end of its shelf life.

　

　Operations of CNIS has been conducted in the mezzanine level, not the best work area and operators have had their work cut out as there is only sufficient room to use two, rather than three, radar displays.

　

　The operations room has been completed, with the exception of ancillary equipment, and has ten, yes ten radar display 18" × 24" flat screens. This equates to two CNIS operator workstations each with three displays, the other four screens are for general use by other watch members, in particular the Senior Watch Manager who is able to oversee operations.

　

　The system also allows the operators to import a SAR plan overlay, this will sit on top of the electronic chart of the radar screen and will allow the operator to monitor the SAR resource covering the search area.

　

　The whole operations room, SAR and CNIS, will be going live on 24^th February 2002, the mezzanine level will then be refurbished to incorporate a new Emergency Planning Room and a VTS simulator, which is due for completion in March.

　

　The simulator will be available to train new operators at Dover CNIS and continuation training for existing operators.

　

　It has been a busy year, operators have coped very well, working around the building site, putting up with exceptional noise levels at times, hopefully next year will be quieter, in more ways than one.

　

　If there are any questions regarding the report please do not hesitate to call or e-mail.

　

Colin Mulvana

CNIS Manager

Tel: 01304 218500

DDI: 01304 218503

FAX: 01304 218505

　

e-mail colin_mulvana@mcga.gov.uk