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Establishment of Safety Fairway in Offshore Development Area (ODA), Recommended Route along the Gujarat Coast and Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) off Mumbai Harbor

Applicable to: E&P Operators, Ship Owners, Ship Managers, Shipping Agents, Ship Masters, Ship Builders, Ship Breakers, Seafarers, National Hydrographic Office, Major & Non-major Ports, Coast Guard, Indian Navy, etc.
Effective Date: 1st Aug 2008 (01/08/2008)
Superseded Circulars: Earlier recommended routes passing through the Offshore Development Area (ODA) in the Arabian Sea

Key Changes and Requirements

1. Safety Fairway, Recommended Routes, and TSS

To enhance safety of navigation, Safety Fairways, Recommended Routes, and Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) have been established in Indian waters, including the Offshore Development Area (ODA) in the Arabian Sea, along the Gujarat Coast, and off Mumbai Harbor.

  • Safety Fairway: Recommended areas for safe transit to/from ports in the area. Mandatory for Indian ships/vessels transiting ODA.
  • Recommended Route: Route of undefined width for convenience of ships/vessels in transit. All ships/vessels should keep about 1-2 miles on either side and comply with Rules of the Road.
  • Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS): Routeing measures aimed at separating opposing streams of traffic. Mandatory for all vessels entering/leaving Mumbai Harbor and JNPT/Nhava-Sheva harbor.

2. Compliance and Reporting

All concerned should comply with the adopted routeing system. Mariners should disseminate these procedures among stakeholders. All vessels using TSS should comply with COLREGS 1972 and Mumbai Port Trust's reporting system.

  • Compliance: Mandatory for Indian ships/vessels transiting ODA and using TSS. Recommendatory for foreign flag ships/vessels.
  • Reporting: Vessels using TSS should adhere to Mumbai Port Trust's reporting system.
II/4  Details on coordinates for Safety Fairways, Recommended Routes, and TSS will be published by the Chief Hydrographer to the Govt. of India in its fortnightly Notices to Mariner No. 14 of 2008.
Important Note

Non-compliance may result in liability under Merchant Shipping Act / Indian Ports Act or other applicable legislations.

Download official PDF

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