4 The traffic density in this area is great the natural conditions are complex and traffic accident are frequent. According to statistics, there happened 69 traffic accidents from 1988 to 1998 in the area, with 86 persons dead and 24 ships sunk, causing pollution to the coastal waters.
5 With a view to strengthening maritime traffic control, minimizing traffic accidents, improving maritime traffic safety, promoting efficiency, and protecting the marine environment, a ship's routeing system was established on a Dial basis in 1992 based on the general principles and the requirements of ships' routeing by IMO, which has contributed to simplify the patterns of traffic flow and reduce accidents (refer to Appendix 1, 2, 3).
6 There has been a VTS system equipped with shore-based radar and computer facilities, a DGPS station and a LORAN-C system in Chengshan Jiao promontory, providing necessary conditions to implement ships' routeing system and ship reporting system.
7 Recognizing the positive role of the ships' routing system and the need to further improve the traffic in the waters, a mandatory ships' routeing system is hereby proposed (refer to annex 1), in accordance with the requirements of SOLAS regulation V/8. Meanwhile for the implementation of the proposed ships' routeing system, a mandatory ship reporting system is also proposed (refer to annex 2), bearing in mind the requirements of SOLAS regulation V/8-1.
8 When proposing the two mandatory systems, China has considerd the distribution of the traffic low, the traffic density and the natural conditions in the waters as well as resolution A.572 (14), as amended and other documents such as resolutions MSC.43 (64), A.85 1 (20), etc.
9 It is suggested that the proposed ships' routing system and the ship reporting system come into force as soon as possible upon their adoption by IMO, but not later than six months after the date of their adoption.
Action requested of the Sub-Committee
10 The Sub-Committee is invited to consider the proposed Ships' Routeing System and Ship Reporting System and decide as appropriate.
