Adverse Weather and Management of Vessel Traffic VTS PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND LT Allie Ferko, VTS Director 01 May 2014
Vessel Movement Reporting System 33CFR161.16 VMRS Users are defined as: Power driven vessels of 40 meters or more in length, while navigating. Vessels certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for hire, when engaged in trade. Every towing vessel of 8 meters or more in length, while navigating.
Columbia Glacier Floating ice calved from Columbia Glacier poses navigational concerns for those utilizing the Traffic Separation Scheme. Most common area of ice Point Freemantle to Finski Point across to Bligh Reef down to abeam Naked Island
Types of Glacial Ice Brash Growler = Piano Bergy Bit = House Ice Berg = Ship
Ice Reports Ice reports are requested from any VMRS User transiting areas where ice concentrations may exist. Ice reports are accepted at the discretion of Vessel Traffic Service Prince William Sound.
What we re looking for in an ice report: Reporting Source Location of Ice (w/ geo. references) Concentration (light/moderate/heavy) Type of ice (brash/growler/bergy bit ) Visibility VTS may ask for more information to clarify the ice situation or location.
Ice Report Information Ice reports are passed by the VTS to all VMRS Users: Prior to departing the dock / entering the VTS area, Upon request, and When navigating the VTS area as updates are received. Ice reports may be provided to non-vmrs users upon request.
Ice Scout Requirements for TAPS tankers If ice routing measures are in effect -- and -- the ice report will be more than six hours old before a tanker transits the area of ice, the SERVS duty officer will coordinate and dispatch an ice reporting vessel at least four hours prior to the tanker transit of the area and notify the VTS of the dispatch. An updated ice report may also be obtained from a SERVS or USCG helicopter or other vessel transiting the area. Ice reports are accepted at the discretion of the VTS.
Ice Scout Requirements for TAPS tankers If ice routing measures are not in effect, and the ice report is more than six hours old, then one of the tanker s close escort tugs may be utilized as an ice scout vessel. The escort tug will coordinate course and speed with the tanker to maintain a reasonable response distance and ensure the tanker will be able to stop its forward progress if needed due to ice congestion and/or safe navigation.
Ice Routing Measures When there is ice present within one nautical mile of the Traffic Separation Scheme, conditions exist for ice routing measures. Ice routing measures apply to those vessels utilizing the Traffic Separation Scheme.
Ice Routing Measures Implementation of ice routing measures is based on: On Scene Ice Reports Type, Concentration, Visibility VTS Radar Image Weather (Wind Direction & Sea State) Tides There are three levels of ice routing measures: One Way Zone Daylight Only Transits Closures
Ice Routing One Way Zone One way zone is in effect when ice is present within one nautical mile of the traffic separation scheme. Applies to all VMRS Users. Turns the area of ice within the TSS into a one way zone mariners may use both lanes & separation zone to ensure safe navigation
Ice Routing Daylight Only Transits Instituted when heavy ice is reported in the TSS.OR.during periods of reduced visibility. Reduced visibility = 2 nautical miles or less. Daylight is defined as the hours between morning and evening civil twilight. Applies to tankers. However, depending on the situation, the VTS may also apply daylight only transits to other large vessels exclusively utilizing the TSS for transit. Prior to civil twilight, the vessel must be clear of the area of ice. Daylight transits are in addition to ice routing measures. The area of reported ice will remain a one way zone.
Ice Routing Closures When no safe passage through ice concentration can be found, deviation from the TSS is required, and/or ice concentrations pose hazardous navigating conditions, the VTS may close the traffic separation scheme - in the area of ice - to vessel traffic. Applies to tankers. However, depending on the situation, the VTS may also apply closures to other large vessels exclusively utilizing the TSS for transit.
Lane Departures We understand that a mariner may have to act in an emergency to facilitate safe navigation without notifying the VTS first. After a TSS departure, the mariner should contact the VTS as soon as it is safe to do so. Following a lane departure, the VTS will determine the cause. If the vessel departed the lanes due to ice, appropriate restrictions will be put in place.
Weather Closures The following additional weather closures apply to tankers: Port Valdez/VDZ Narrows Sustained winds over 40kts Cape Hinchinbrook Sustained winds over 45 kts or seas over 15 feet. Weather closures may be also imposed on other types of vessels, depending on the circumstances. Weather closures are based on NWS weather data or on scene observation if NWS data is unavailable. Weather closures occur after one reading over max limits. Reopening occurs after two consecutive readings under max limits.
Questions?