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, 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 abroad.
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.