IMO: Proposing Mandatory Traffic Control Compliance
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has proposed mandatory compliance by ship masters with orders from shore traffic controllers. The suggestion by IMO Secretary General William O'Neil launched a spirited debate at a conference on navigational safety in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, hosted by the IMO and Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies. "Under existing regulations, the VTIS (Vessel Traffic Information Systems) has the right to contact the ship concerned and warn of the danger ahead. But the shore authorities have no authority to compel a change of course," he said. He said the shipping industry should consider emulating the relationship between airline pilots and air traffic controllers.
IMO: Proposing Mandatory Traffic Control Compliance
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) last week proposed mandatory compliance by ship masters with orders from shore traffic controllers. The suggestion by IMO Secretary General William O'Neil launched a spirited debate at a conference on navigational safety in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, hosted by the IMO and Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies. "Under existing regulations, the VTIS (Vessel Traffic Information Systems) has the right to contact the ship concerned and warn of the danger ahead. But the shore authorities have no authority to compel a change of course," he said. He said the shipping industry should consider emulating the relationship between airline pilots and air traffic controllers.
The Great Debate
Despite tremendous strides being made on the marine electronics and technology fronts, ships continue to collide at what many deem an unacceptable rate. The recent rash of high-profile casualties, particularly the ones involving fully loaded cruise ships, has caught the eyes of national and international legislators and is sure to result in action. Despite the best efforts of electronic makers and quality ship owners who outfit their vessels with the latest products and systems to ensure safety of passengers, crew, cargo and ship, vessels are running into one another at an alarming rate. One of the more visible examples of this (although…
