SUB-COMMITTEE ON SAFETY OF
NAVIGATION
44th session
Agenda item 3

ROUTEING OF SHIPS, SHIP REPORTING AND RELATED MATTERS

Mandatory Ship Reporting System for the Dover Strait

Note by the Governments of France and the United Kingdom

1　　　　The Dover Strait is one of the world's busiest shipping routes. A Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) was established in 1 977 and traffic is continuously monitored using radar under the Channel Navigation Information Service (CNIS) operated jointly by France and the United Kingdom from Cap Gris Nez and Dover.

2　　　　It is estimated that there are around 600 shipping movements in the Dover Strait daily, including both transiting and crossing traffic and significant fishing activity. The voluntary Marine Reporting (MAREP) scheme was introduced in 1 979 for ships over 300 GT. However, experience has shown that only between 25-30% of ships actually make reports to the shore.

3　　　　France and the United Kingdom believe that safe navigation in the Dover Strait would be enhanced with the implementation of a mandatory ship reporting system in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS Regulation V/8-1 and its supporting Guidelines and Criteria. Detailed proposals for a system are set out in the annexes and a summary is at annex 2. Supporting information on incidents is contained in annex 3. Participation by all ships over 300GT will ensure that shore-based facilities at GRIS NEZ TRAFFIC and DOVER COASTGUARD are able to monitor shipping movements and provide improved advice and information about navigational hazards and weather conditions. Improved ship-identification through the reporting system will support search and rescue operations and responses to emergency situations, including the threat of pollution. The positive identification of ships infringing Rule 10 of the Collision Regulations and those which pollute the marine environment will also be improved.

For reasons of economy, this document is printed in a limited number. Delegates are kindly asked to bring their copies to meetings and not to request additional copies.

Action requested of the Sub-Committee

4　　　　The Sub-Committee is invited to consider the detailed proposals in the annexes and to recommend to the Committee at its seventieth session the adoption of a mandatory ship reporting system for the Dover Strait.

***

I:/NAV/44/3-2.WPD

前ページ　　　目次へ　　　次ページ