200117 Crossing TSS at Wrong Angle

Crossing TSS at Wrong Angle
Report No. 200117

 

Report 1

Own Vessel, a container ship, crossing the Noord Hinder South TSS at the F3 junction, observed a coasting vessel in the North East Lane on a course of about 240 degrees with a speed of about 8 knots, on a collision course with own vessel.

This was reported to Dover Coastguard with a request for any information regarding the vessel's intentions. Dover CG confirmed that they had a weak trace on their radar but no other information. The vessel altered course to starboard in good time and then passed astern of own vessel before resuming her original course and speed. The vessel was later identified. Dover Coastguard contacted the vessel after the identification the OOW was gently warned that his course "might" be in contravention of rule 10.

The navigator on the vessel confirmed to Dover CG that he was en route from Rotterdam and seemed totally unconcerned that he was crossing a TSS in the wrong direction and in the wrong Lane. He agreed with Dover CG that he should then alter course and cross the TSS at right angles.

Report 2

Own Vessel, a container ship, was leaving the Wandelaar Pilot Station. Having cleared the submarine cable operations between the Oostdyck and the West Hinder, own vessel had to alter course further to port than usual to avoid a coastal vessel proceeding in the wrong direction in the South West Lane of the TSS.

The vessel was in the centre of the SW Lane steering about 050 at 11 knots, seemingly oblivious to other vessels in the vicinity, including the guard vessels around the underwater operations at the Oostdyck. Own vessel was being followed closely by a coastal car carrier and a ferry. The rogue vessel appeared to have come from South of the Sandettie and seemed to be heading for the Steenbank Pilot Station or Rotterdam on a direct course, ignoring the TSS, underwater operations and other traffic.