UK Master Prosecuted for TSS Navigation Offenses

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency issued a Press Notice stating that the master of a refrigerated cargo vessel was convicted of violation of rules of the Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) and fined £2,500 plus £2,500 costs. The ship was proceeding up the North East lane of the TSS. When the ship turned to make its call at Sheerness, it did not do so at right angles as required. As a result, it came onto a collision course / at close quarters with three other vessels. When advised of the situation by Dover Coastguard, the master altered course to starboard, with the result that it proceeded directly against the flow of traffic in the South East lane of the TSS. Source: HK Law