Operates the coastal VTS called Dover Strait and provides a 24 hour service for all shipping. The Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) is seen as an International waterway where there is freedom of navigation for all ships and it is the Master's responsibility to navigate his vessel according to the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS).

　

　The scheme developed out of limited experiments, which commenced in 1967, but it was not until 1971 after a serious accident that the authorities were galvanised into action. The accident involved a tanker in collision with a cargo ship where the tanker exploded and caused pollution and loss of life. In fact five ships were involved. Action was taken through the IMO (or IMCO as it was) which resulted in the formation of The Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme. Shipping is separated into two lanes divided by a separation zone. There are two inshore traffic zones. The scheme was the first to be set up in the world and also the first to be under radar surveillance. It was also the first to be adopted by the IMO and coincided with the revised COLREGS of 1972 which include Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) The adoption was not finalised until 1977.

　

　The scheme is administered by two coastal states, the UK and France. In practice France looks after the NE lane and the UK the SW lane. There is a constant exchange of information between the two countries via direct telephone, computer transmission link and facsimile

　

　The objectives of CNIS are to contribute to the safety of navigation within the area by:-

　

　Encouraging vessels to comply with IMO adopted procedures for vessels navigating within a TSS.

　

　The provision of the latest information to shipping on activities, conditions and navigational irregularities which may affect safe navigation.

　

These objectives are achieved by :-

　

　The collection, collation recording and dissemination of information considered relevant to the safety of navigation of vessels in the TSS

　

　Providing such factual information as may be available to assist, on request, the safety of navigation.

　

　CNIS broadcasts on VHF radio channel 11 every 60 minutes (every 30 minutes if visibility drops below two miles) to give warnings of navigational difficulties and unfavourable conditions in the TSS. These include adverse weather conditions, misplaced or defective navigational aids and hampered vessels such as oil rigs, deep draught bulk carriers and tankers and surveying vessels.

　

　Ships using the TSS are automatically tracked by radar and evidence collected which can be used in possible prosecutions of alleged contravention's of the COLREGS. If the alleged offending vessel is bound for a UK port then action may be taken but otherwise the evidence is forwarded to the Flag State for them to take action under the International Rules.

　

　

　

　It is said that there were thirty collisions each year before 1971. Since 1972 the average has dropped to 4 per year, however, it is plain to see that in 2001 has been a particularly bad year.

　

　

　The majority of collisions have been only minor "bumps", or involved buoys and light vessels which are stationary, and some have been in overtaking situations. Fishing vessels are a major problem in the Dover Strait and this is born out by 1997 when five of the seven collisions involved fishing vessels.

　

The following are more serious collisions: