Crossing channel for the first time

[martinriches]

From Ramsgate to Calais. I just want to get clear about crossing the TSS. I notice the Colregs say [A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.] does this mean I should give way to large vessels approaching from Port side or would they expect me to stand on.? I would appreciate any tips or advice. BTW 10.5m displacement mobo 1m draft.

Also, I am planning to go outside the Goodwin sands and by the time I get past the TSS the tidal set should get me close to Calais.Crossing the marked channel about a mile west of the harbour entrance to approach on the landward side. Should be about a couple of hours before HW. Does this sound OK.

Martin.

 

[tillergirl]

Martin - no one has answered so I'll comment from my experience sailing this route many times and a recent Ramsgate - Boulogne return. Ships in the TSS will expect you to give way (go behind) but you will encounter the SW going lane first and they make a small but significant turn further towards the west as they pass the South Falls. That means that a ship that you were just thinking was about to cross in front of you is now aiming for you or that one that was aiming for you is now going to pass behind. It really isn't too diffiuclt in reasonable visibility though. Steer straight and line up the approaching vessel against a part of yours. If the bearing remains constant you will have to take avoiding action. Cross the lanes of course with your heading at right angles to the direction of TSS travel.

Get the tide right and you get a super helping hand down to Calais. Spot on with aiming to get there west side of the entrance. I got it wrong one year and ended up east side and not only did it seem more rolly but we had to wait an age to be allowed in because we had to cross the entrance whereas if you are the west side you can often be allowed to follow in a ferry. Crossing the approach channel can be interesting in busy times as the Ferries come in at a lick and get up to speed going out very quickly.

It's a fun crossing.

 

[gjgm]

From Ramsgate to Calais. I just want to get clear about crossing the TSS. I notice the Colregs say [A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.] does this mean I should give way to large vessels approaching from Port side or would they expect me to stand on.? I would appreciate any tips or advice. BTW 10.5m displacement mobo 1m draft.

Also, I am planning to go outside the Goodwin sands and by the time I get past the TSS the tidal set should get me close to Calais.Crossing the marked channel about a mile west of the harbour entrance to approach on the landward side. Should be about a couple of hours before HW. Does this sound OK.

Martin.

If you do not have AIS receiver , I would really get one as your alarmed collision circle gives you some great peace of mind. Sometimes it is easy to judge the distance, but the size and speed of the ships varies so much. I know it is more compact up there, but just to note further west the ships don't line up behind each other..more like a sparsely populated 5 lane motorway with them all in different lanes (obviously one way )So crossing is not like crossing a single lane, but lots of lanes.
Might not be the case around Dover/Calais...

 

[alant]

From Ramsgate to Calais. I just want to get clear about crossing the TSS. I notice the Colregs say [A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.] does this mean I should give way to large vessels approaching from Port side or would they expect me to stand on.? I would appreciate any tips or advice. BTW 10.5m displacement mobo 1m draft.

Also, I am planning to go outside the Goodwin sands and by the time I get past the TSS the tidal set should get me close to Calais.Crossing the marked channel about a mile west of the harbour entrance to approach on the landward side. Should be about a couple of hours before HW. Does this sound OK.

Martin.

Read the regulation to be certain of your actions.
Remember, you must be at right angles to the traffic at all times.
Also remember, that "a large power driven vessel", can cause more than a scratch, when it is confronted by a small plastic yacht.
Seriously though, monitor 16 + Dover Control ( advise them of your intentions before crossing TSS) so you know what is happening around you.

More seriouly, don't pick up any dodgy passengers when returning from Calais.