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SECTION 3
COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
3.1 CLASSIFICATIONS
3.1.1 The Service is to collect information under two classifications:
TRAFFIC AND GENERAL
3.1.2 Traffic information is essentially tactical and its value depends much on the speed at which it can be evaluated and promulgated. Most traffic information is gained from radar surveillance. It is of maximum importance in conditions of low visibility.
3.1.3 General information is chiefly comprised of visibility reports, urgent navigational warnings concerning lights, radio aids, navigational marks and obstructions.
3.2 EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
3.2.1 All traffic and general information is to be exchanged between Centres and considered for inclusion in the broadcast.
3.2.2 Traffic information is normally to be transmitted by direct line telephone, using the ECHO QUEBEC Code when appropriate (Appendix Bravo).
3.2.3 General information is to be transmitted by Facsimile/microwave link to ensure accuracy and to facilitate the maintenance of records.
TRAFFIC INFORMATION
3.3 RADAR TRACKING
3.3.1 Subject to the provision of paragraph 2.5.2 relating to crossing rogues, radar tracking is to be started as soon as a ship target is seen to be in contravention of Rule 10 or is considered likely to be so if she holds her present course.
3.3.2 Quick assimilation of information required for broadcast action is to take priority over other considerations but care is to be taken to avoid unnecessary or inaccurate broadcasts. The target is therefore to be tracked for as long as is necessary to establish course and speed and that the contravening course is being held. In the case of crossing rogues it is also necessary to evaluate the tactical situation as accurately as possible taking into account the vessel's duty to avoid a close quarter situation, especially when first crossing into the traffic lane as a give way vessel.
3.4 ALLOCATION OF TRACK NUMBERS
3.4.1 Rogue tracks are to be identified by two letters. The first letter is to be F (FOXTROT) or G (GOLF) indicating respectively, rogues in the North East (French side - = F) and in the South West (UK side - = G) lane. The second letter is to be allocated in alphabetical sequence, starting daily at 0000 UTC, ie FA, FB, FC.... Or GA, GB, GC.... If the end of the alphabet is reached before 2400 UTC, the second letter is to be A (ALPHA) and a third letter allocated in alphabetical sequence, ie FAA. FAB.... or GAA, GAB....
3.4.2 Track letters in the North East lane are to be allocated by SINM and those in the South West lane by CNIS. It follows that if CNIS makes the initial detection in the North East lane it must be passed to SINM for allocation of the track letters. Conversely, if SINM detects a new rogue in the South West lane before CNIS has acquired the echo. SINM will ask CNIS for the allocation. Information on new tracks is to be exchanged until both Centres have acquired the echo.
3.5 OTHER TRAFFIC INFORMATION
3.5.1. The other principal sources of traffic information for inclusion in the broadcasts are:
a. Reports from vessels involving limited privilege.
b. Advance notices of major and minor operations of all kinds.
c. Other warnings concerning unusual traffic.
3.5.2 In addition, vessels may report defects such as radar failure, especially in conditions of reduced visibility.
3.5.3 When information is available about the following categories of vessel which have varying degrees of privilege under Rule 18, reports of their presence in the Traffic Separation Scheme are to be included in the broadcast, whether or not the Master requests such action:
a. Vessels not under command. [Rule 3(f)]
b. Vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre. [Rule 3(g)]
c. Vessels constrained by their draught [Rule 3(h)], ie vessels which because of their draught in relation to the available depth of water are severely restricted in their ability to deviate from the course they are following.
3.5.4 Traffic information of actual and potential hazards in the lanes, the separation zones and the fairways of the inshore traffic zones may also include:
a. Vessels anchoring for any reason, especially near the ends of the Scheme or in Prohibited Anchorages.
b. Accidents and SAR or other operations, cross channel swimming and other unusual transits.
c. Concentrations of five or more fishing vessels and concentrations of sailing yachts, normally when racing.
d. Any other event which is likely to confuse or impede navigation in the Strait.
All such information is normally to be included in the broadcast especially in conditions of reduced visibility. Consideration is to be given to the need for continuous radar monitoring and/or tracking.
3.6 VESSELS UNABLE TO CONFORM WITH THE REGULATIONS
3.6.1 When a Master reports that he is unable to conform with Rule 10 of the Collision Regulations the reason should be noted, the message acknowledged and the Master informed that his position and intended movements (or the relevant facts such as break-down, etc) will be broadcast for the benefit of other shipping.
See also Section 6, 6.6 - SELF-IDENTIFIED ROGUES.
GENERAL INFORMATION
3.7 VISIBILITY REPORTS
3.7.1 Routine visibility reports are to be requested respectively by CNIS and SINM from vessels on passage.
3.8 URGENT NAVIGATIONAL WARNINGS
3.8.1 Arrangements are maintained for WZ messages relating to the Service Area to be transmitted to CNIS and SINM respectively by their natural hydrographic authorities.
3.8.2 Information is also received from the national light and buoyage authorities - Trinity House and Service des Phares et Balises - and from shipping direct.
SECTION 4
BROADCASTS
4.1 GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS
4.1.1 The allocated broadcast frequencies are:
CNIS VHF Channel 11
SINM VHF Channel 79
4.1.2 Routine broadcasts are to be made by each Centre at 60 minute intervals and are to be commenced strictly on time as follows:
CNIS: H + 40 minutes
SINM: H + 10 minutes
4.1.3 When reports indicate that local surface visibility in any part of the Service Area has fallen to 2 miles or less, routine broadcasts are to be made by each Centre at 30 minute intervals as follows:
CNIS: H + 40 minutes and H + 55 minutes
SINM: H + 10 minutes and H + 25 minutes
4.1.4 When it is judged that important new information, whether traffic or general, should be broadcast within delay, an Initial Report is to be compiled and broadcast.
4.1.5 A report in amplification of information transmitted in a routine broadcast or in an initial report is to be broadcast as a Supplementary Report. Supplementary Reports will be of most value in conditions of reduced visibility.
4.1.6 Maximum use is to be made of the Standard Marine Vocabulary in phrasing all information which is broadcast in the English language.
4.1.7 Navigation and other warnings which are issued by other authorities and relate to the Service Area are to be suitably paraphrased and shortened before inclusion in the broadcast.
4 2 ROUTINE BROADCASTS
4.2.1 Each Centre is to cover both traffic lanes for traffic and general information but the inshore traffic zones are to be covered separately unless traffic in the adjoining lane is affected, the French zone by SINM and the English zone by CNIS.
4.2.2 With the exception of information relating to the inshore traffic zones the basic information broadcast by each Station is to be identical, but the compilation of the broadcasts is to be at the discretion of the Officer in charge of the Watch at each Centre.
4.2.3 Broadcasts are to be compiled in accordance with the format supplied in Appendix ALPHA to these instructions, and all information relating to the broadcast is to be exchanged between the two Centres.
4.3 SUPPLEMENTARY REPORTS
4.3.1 Supplementary Reports are to be preceded by a warning broadcast on Channel 16:
"For Supplementary report concerning・・・
Listen Channel 11/79.
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