During the passage from Venice to Croatia, HERA crosses areas with traffic separation schemes. Their lines appear in navigation while large ships outside can seem to move freely across the Adriatic.
Connect the rule with the actual traffic
Traffic direction, HERA’s intended route and the movement of other vessels are considered together. The aim is a clear situation that becomes recognisable to everyone as early as possible.
Traffic separation makes encounters more predictable
A traffic separation scheme organises vessels into defined directions, but it does not replace lookout. HERA’s crew watches bearings, identifies the traffic flow and chooses a clear crossing. Course changes should be early and recognisable rather than hesitant. Chart and AIS support the picture; visibility, collision rules and the actual traffic situation still govern each decision.
A traffic scheme organises traffic, not responsibility
Traffic separation creates predictable directions for large ships, but the yacht must still assess the situation. AIS vectors need to be combined with lookout, bearing and movement over time. A crossing should be clear and timely while remaining adaptable if another vessel behaves differently from expectation. The aim is an understandable encounter with adequate distance, not a perfect theoretical point.
Frequently asked questions
How does a traffic separation scheme organise shipping?
It defines opposing traffic streams and the separation zones between them.
Can its boundaries be seen on the water?
Usually not as continuous physical marks. They are identified through current charts and navigation.
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Open water in low sunlight during the passage towards Croatia