Vessels entering Taiwan to declare Changhua Vessel Traffic Services

by The Editorial Team 

October 21, 2021

Taiwan Transport Insurance Services Ltd. (TTIS) notified that the new pre-arrival notification rules in Taiwan for Changhua Wind Farm Channel will take effect on 26 October 2021.

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Specifically, from the 26 October 2021, all vessels (excluding Taiwanese military vessels, government and fishing vessels registered under the Taiwanese flag) are to declare to Changhua Vessel Traffic Services (Changhua VTS) eight hours prior to entering the channel.

A failure to provide a pre-arrival notification could result in a fine of NTD500,000 (approximately US$18,000).

Key findings                   

• All vessels passing and using the Changhua Wind Farm Channel for navigation are required to report to Changhua VTS, including prearrival notifications and reporting on arrival.

• Vessels that must pass through the Changhua Wind Farm Channel due to an emergency or must use the traffic buffer zones or the separation zone of the Changhua Wind Farm Channel to avoid imminent danger, pre-arrival notification is not required.

• Vessels passing and sailing in the Changhua Wind Farm Channel must be equipped with AIS, VHF, and radio equipment defined in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) for Sea Area A1 and A2. The AIS must be kept operational and correctly set with updated information. For VHF, Channel 16 and designated channels must be watched throughout the passage. For vessels using DSB and SSB, the designated frequencies must be watched. Report to Changhua VTS through the designated channels/frequencies for pre-Arrival notification and reporting upon arrival.

More details, including the information required for the pre-arrival notification can be found in the Sailing Directions.