Decision-Making Issues in Vessels Traffic Planning After the Deepening of the Świnoujście – Szczecin Fairway To 12.5 M

Sips’ navigation in channels, fairways and approaches to ports is complicated decision-making process. Vessel traffic service (VTS) operators are involved in this process, being responsible for planning and monitoring of ships’ movement within the controlled area. They should take rational decisions, considering different factors and specific navigational conditions that may influence ships’ safety and duration of crossing the planned route. Such specific conditions take place in fairway connecting Polish seaports in Świnoujście and Szczecin. The fairway has been dredged to 12.5 m and new traffic conditions should come into force. The aim of the article is to analyze factors influencing the planning of ships navigation within the Świnoujście – Szczecin fairway and identify problems that may be faced by VTS operators during vessels’ traffic planning when deepened fairway will be put into operation. Świnoujście – Szczecin fairway and ships traffic process were described. Process of notifying ships’ entering the fairway has been described. Factors influencing decisions taken to plan ships traffic within fairway were identified. Current decision-making problems related to vessels traffic were determined. The obtained results may be useful for maritime transport and logistics companies, maritime administrations, VTS operators and other entities dealing with ships service.