1 Shore-based navigational guidance and information
schemes should support masters of ro-ro passenger ships in the conduct of safe
passages, when sailing on particular ferry routes where such schemes are in use. Such
schemes should be operated on the basis of existing maritime services, marine
meteorological services, ice patrols and hydrographic services, by bringing together
the different services in a consolidated form.
2 These navigational guidance and information schemes should
continually monitor the prevailing weather conditions, the seaway, the ice situation,
the traffic situation, and other navigational hazards along the particular ferry
routes, and should make the information so gathered available, at regular intervals,
to the masters of ro-ro passenger ships sailing on these routes.
3 In bad weather and/or adverse ice and seaway conditions,
the ro-ro passenger ships should be assisted by navigational information and warnings.
The responsibility of the master concerning his command of the ro-ro passenger ship
remains unaffected. In the event of extraordinary circumstances and in emergencies,
information concerning such events should be transmitted to the appropriate Rescue
Co-ordination Centres (RCC) so that appropriate action can be initiated without delay.
4 The ferry operator and the
Authority or the Authorities concerned, if two or more countries are involved, should
develop a joint plan for the different ferry routes in consultation with the services
involved.
5 The master of a ro-ro
passenger ship should report the following particulars at departure:
- name of
ship and distinctive number or letters
- port of departure and port
of destination
- sailing plan, as far as practicable
- time of departure and estimated time of arrival
-
total number of persons carried aboard.
6 During the passage, the master
of a ro-ro passenger ship should comply with the reporting requirements established in
the area of his ship's operations.
7
When at sea, the master of a ro-ro passenger ship should participate in the
navigational guidance and information scheme unless there are compelling reasons not
to use the scheme. Any such reason should be recorded in the ship's log. The master
should take account of the information, advice and warnings provided.