3 Format, content of reports, times and geographical positions for submitting reports, authority of whom reports should be sent and available services
3.1 Procedures of reporting
3.1.1 The SOUNDREP report must be initiated (see paragraph 3.1.4) to Sound VTS using VHF voice transmission. However, ships can fulfil most of the reporting requirements of the reporting system by the use of non-verbal means such as AIS (Automatic Information System) class A as approved by the Organization, and by e-mail or other alternative methods, prior to entering the ship reporting area (see also paragraph 3.4.1, Note (c)). Additional details are given in Appendix 3. For contact information see Appendix 2.
3.1.2 The use of correct and updated AIS information can accomplish the reporting requirements for designators A (part of), B, C, E, F, I, O, P and W.
3.1.3 E-mail or other alternative methods prior to entering the ship reporting area, can accomplish the reporting requirements for designators L, T and X. Such non-verbal partly report must also state designator A (see also paragraph 3.4.1, Note (c)). Additional details are given in Appendix 3.
3.1.4 A ship which fulfils the reporting requirements of the SOUNDREP mandatory ship reporting system, by the use of non-verbal means, must as a minimum carry out a VHF voice transmission to communicate the name of the ship (part of designator A) and the report line of entry, to the Sound VTS when actually entering the area. The same procedure must be followed before departing a port or leaving an anchorage in the SOUNDREP area. Additional details are given in Appendix 3.
3.1.5 Designators U and Q, if applicable, shall at all times be given using VHF voice transmission to Sound VTS when entering the area. Additional details are given in Appendix 3.
3.1.6 To prevent overloading the VHF channels for reporting by verbal voice transmissions and to avoid interference with essential navigational duties, and by this hampering the safety of navigation in the area, a ship unable to accomplish the reporting requirements for designators L, T and X by e-mail or other alternative methods prior to entering the ship reporting area, can report these designators by the use of radio telephone or mobile phone to Sound VTS. Designator A must additionally be included in this part reporting.
3.2 Verbal reporting is not required when a ship is passing the SOUNDREP sector line at latitude 55° 50´.00 N. However, change of VHF frequency is required according to Appendix 2.
3.3 Format
The mandatory ship report shall be drafted in accordance with the format shown in Appendix 3. The information requested from ships is derived from the Standard Reporting Format shown in paragraph 2 of the Appendix to resolution A.851(20).
3.4 Content
A report from a ship to the SOUNDREP by non-verbal means or by voice transmission must contain the following information:
The report required should include:
A | Name of the ship, call sign and if available IMO identification number and MMSI No. |
B | Date and time |
C | Position expressed in latitude and longitude |
E | True course |
F | Speed; |
I | Destination and ETA |
L | Route information on the intended route through the Sound |
O | Maximum present draught |
P | Cargo; and quantity and IMO class of dangerous goods, if applicable (see note (c) below) |
Q | Defects and deficiencies or other limitations |
T | Contact details for the communication of cargo information (see note (c) below) |
U | Air draught when exceeding 35 metres |
W | Total number of persons on board |
X | Type and estimated quantity of bunker fuel, for ships of 1,000 gross tonnage and above |
Note: | |
(a) | On receipt of a report, operators of the Sound VTS will establish the relation to the ship's position and the information supplied by the facilities available to them. |
(b) | The master of the ship must forthwith inform the Sound VTS concerned of any change to the information notified, including designator Q. |
(c) | Information on dangerous cargo and contact details for the communication of cargo information (designator P and T of the reporting format) is only requested when such information has not been notified to the competent authority via SafeSeaNet in an European Union (EU) member State in accordance with the requirements of Article 13 (for ships leaving or entering an EU port) in Directive 2002/59/EC on establishing Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system and amended by Directive 2009/17/EC, prior to entering the operational SOUNDREP area. Additional details are given in Appendix 3. |
3.5 Geographical position for submitting reports
3.5.1 Ships entering the SOUNDREP operational area shall submit a report when crossing the entrance lines or on departure from a port or anchorage within the operational area.
3.5.2 Further reports should be made whenever there is a change in navigational status or circumstance, particularly in relation to designator Q the reporting format.
3.6 Crossing traffic
Recognizing that ferries crossing between Helsingør and Helsingborg operate according to published schedules special reporting arrangements can be made on a ship to ship basis. Ferries leaving the ports Helsingør in Denmark and Helsingborg in Sweden operating according to published schedules are normally not requested to report to the Sound VTS.
3.7 Authority
The VTS Authority for the SOUNDREP is Sound VTS with call sign "Sound Traffic". Additional details are given in Appendix 2.