1、Overview ofNavigation Routesand Anchorages from the Main Channel ofQingdao Port to Chaolian DaoWaters
The main channel waters of Qingdao Port east of the line joining Dagong Dao and Xiaogong Dao encompass recommended /outbound routes (283°/103°), the First Route (222°/042°),the First ReservedRoute (248°/068°), the Second Route (270°/090°), and the Third Route (338°/158°). Among these, the converging and junction areas of the First Route and the First ReservedRoute (waters near the buoy Qingdaogang(1)) andthe junctionarea of the Second Route and the Third Route (5 NM northwest of Chaolian Dao) serve as the primary convergence zones for vessel traffic (including fishing boats) and are associated with a high risk of collision,where all vessels should navigate with extra caution.
The Chaolian DaoAnchorage No.1 is applicable to all vessels except oil tankers、liquefied gas carriers and chemical tankers. Within the anchoragearea,30 anchor berths are designated, centered on points A1 to A30 with a radius of 957.5 meters each.The anchorage water depth ranges from 28.2 to 36.2 meters.
2、Recommended Navigation Method for the Qingdao Port Main Channel to Chaolian Dao Waters:
Vessels shall keep to the starboard side of the channel as far as practicable. Inbound traffic flow is marked with green arrows, while outbound traffic flow is indicated by red arrows. This is designed to separate opposing streams of traffic, minimize potential head-on and crossing situations between vessels, and mitigaterisk of collision.
2.1 Waters alongthe line joining Dagong Dao and Xiaogong Dao
Very large vessels (a vessel that her actual maximum draft is 15 meters or above) shall utilize the deep-water channel of Qingdao Port’s main channel; pilots will /disembark abeam of Xiaogong Dao.
Other vessels (excluding very large vessels) shall comply with the provisions of the “The Ships’ Routeing System in the Waters of Qingdao”and navigate within the designated traffic lanes.
2.2 Waters from the line joining Dagong Dao and Xiaogong Daoto Chaolian Dao
Vessels shall navigate with particular alertness and caution in the following two high-risk waters for vessel convergence and collisions.
2.2.1The IntersectionWatersof the First ReservedRouteand the First Route
For Vessels Joining the Main Channel:
Inbound vessels shall alter course after passing the buoy Qingdaogang(1), and maintain a safe distance from vessels navigating within the main channel, and do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.
For Vessels Leaving the Main Channel:
Outbound vessels shall alter courseafter passing the buoy Qingdaogang(1), and cross the main channel as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow .
2.2.2The IntersectionWatersbetween the Second Routeand the Third Route
Inbound vessels shall navigate in a counterclockwise circular pattern centered on the intersection point of the two routes. During navigation, vesselsshall strengthen communication and coordination with nearby vessels (especially those inbound along the Second Route) and take collision avoidance measures in advance.
Outbound vessels shall enhancecommunication and coordination with inbound vessels(along the ThirdRoute),take collision avoidance measures in advanceand avoid crossing ahead of inbound vessels.
2.2.3 The Chaolian DaoAnchorage No. 1
Non-Dangerous Goods Carrier:
Anchoringwithin the designated boundaries of Chaolian DaoAnchorage No.1.
Vessels with short-term anchoring requirements shall prioritize outer anchorage points to facilitate traffic flow.
When Chaolian DaoAnchorage No. 1 is fully occupied, vessels shall proceed tothe following alternate areas:South of Chaolian DaoAnchorage No.1、AnchorageNo.6or AnchorageNo.7.For vessels navigating through the First Route and the First Reserved Route that require anchorage, it is recommended to use the Anchorage No. 6 or Anchorage No. 7.
Dangerous Goods Carrier:Anchoringin the open waters southeast of Chaolian Dao Anchorage No.1, maintaining a minimum distance of 1 nautical mile from other anchored vessels.
Vesselsof Foreign Nationality:Vessels of foreign nationalityare required to report to the designated maritime administration whenentering the territorial seaof the P.R.China.
Vessels not using anchorages shall avoid crossing anchorage areas.Vessels should avoidanchoring in the western waters outside the designated anchorage areas.
3.Navigation Precautions
3.1 Vessels shall thoroughly assess situations involvingfishing boats crossing the recommended routes or operating within the routes, and take early and substantial actions to keep clear of fishing boats and fishing gear.
3.2 Lateral Safe Distance Requirements
3.2.1 The No.1 Traffic Lane of Qingdao TSS:
Overtaking is prohibited in this area.Vessels areadvisedto maintain a lateral safe distance of at least 0.2 nautical miles, and pay particular attention tothe situation that outbound vessels may alter course abruptly during pilot disembarkation in rough seas.
3.2.2 No.2 and No.3 Traffic Lanes of Qingdao TSS:
Vesselsareadvisedtomaintain a lateral safe distance of at least0.3 nautical miles. Ifovertaking is necessary, a minimum distance of 0.2 nautical miles from other vessels is advisedandvesselsarerequiredtopay special attention to the lateral distance from vessels in deep-water channel.
3.2.3Non-TSS waters of Qingdao Port Main Channel:
Vessels are advisedtomaintain a lateral safe distance of at least0.5 nautical miles.If overtaking is necessary, a minimum distance of 0.3 nautical miles from other vessels is advised.
Vessels shall increase distances based on the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
3.3 Vessels shall enhance watchkeeping vigilance, monitormeteorological and sea conditions closely, and implement adequate pollution prevention, firefighting, and anti-icing measures.
3.4 In case of berthing schedule adjustment, mechanical malfunctions, or other anomalies, vessels shall report to Qingdao VTS immediately and avoid drifting in high-density traffic areas.
3.5 In case of accidents or distresses, vessels shall initiate self-rescue operationsimmediately and report toQingdao Maritime Search and Rescue Centervia VHF CH08、Maritime Distress Emergency Call: +86-532-12395 or other effective methods.
3.6 Under all circumstances, these navigational precautions are provided only for referenceand do not exempt shipowners, captains, or related parties from their responsibilities for safe navigation.