United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)UNCLOS lays down a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans and seas. The 1982 convention was signed by 117 states and it establishes rules governing all uses of the ocean and its resources. The convention also provides the framework for the development of a specific area of law of the sea. The convention is a lengthy document having 446 articles group in 7 parts in 9 annexes. UNCLOS came into force internationally on 16th Nov 1994.Baseline As otherwise provided in the UNCLOS convention, the … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2018
Master Pilot Exchange – Duties, Responsibilities and Elements of effective Relationship
It is a given fact that invariably pilotage is compulsory and the majority of accidents occurring during berthing occur with a pilot on the bridge. No berthing guide would be complete without reference to the master-pilot relationship.Pilotage Why are Pilots engaged? For their expertise in navigating in close proximity to land in narrow channels. For their ability to anticipate accurately the effects of currents and tidal influences. For their understanding of local traffic. For their ability to work effectively with the local VTS. For their language ability when … [Read more...]
Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) – Purpose, Organisation and its components
Purpose Vessel Traffic Service or VTS is a shore-based system implemented by a competent authority to:Improve the safety and efficiency of navigation, Safety of life at sea, and Protection of the marine environment.VTS is governed by SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 12 together with the guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services [ IMO Resolution A.857(20) ] adopted on 27 November 1997.A Vessel traffic image is compiled and collected by means of advanced sensors such as radar, AIS, direction finding, CCTV and VHF or other cooperative system services. A modern VTS integrates all … [Read more...]