Forskrift om sjøtrafikk i bestemte farvann - Kystverket

REG 2009-12-15 no. 1684: Regulations relating to maritime traffic in 

specific waters 

DATE: REG-2009-12-15-1684 

MINISTRY: Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs 

DEP./DIR.: Department of Marine Resources and Coastal Management 

PUBLISHED: In 2009, Book 14 

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 

LAST AMENDED: 

1 January 2010 

AMENDS: REG-1998-12-11-1273, REG-1992-07-21-566 

APPLIES TO: Norway 

STATUTORY 

ACT-2009-04-17-19-§13, ACT-2009-04-17-19-§17, ACT-2009- 

AUTHORITY: 

04-17-19-§18 

SYS. CODE: BG15a, BG16, D02 

INDUSTRY CODE: 71231 

ANNOUNCED: 

CORRECTED: 

29 December 2009 at 2:45 p.m. 

SHORT TITLE: Regulations relating to maritime traffic in specific waters 

To link to this document use: http://www.lovdata.no/cgi-wift/ldles?doc=/sf/sf/sf-20091215- 

1684.html 

CONTENTS 

Regulations relating to maritime traffic in specific waters 

Chapter 1. Common provisions 

§ 1. (Purpose) 

§ 2. (Scope) 

§ 3. (Definitions) 

§ 4. (Duty to report hazards) 

§ 5. (Meeting and passing) 

§ 6. (Responsibility for navigation, manoeuvring, etc.) 

§ 7. (Tugboats) 

§ 8. (Emergency preparedness for vessels carrying pollutive cargo) 

§ 9. (Dispensations) 

§ 10. (Delegation) 

§ 11. (Amendment of the regulations) 

§ 12. (Relationship to the Public Administration Act) 

Chapter 2. General provisions for waters in the geographic areas covered by the 

Norwegian Coastal Administration's vessel traffic service centres and the 

vessel traffic service centre in the Port of Oslo 

§ 13. (Scope)

§ 14. (Communication, language requirements, duty to listen, etc.) 

§ 15. (Requirement for a permit from the vessel traffic service centre) 

§ 16. (How to apply for a permit) 

§ 17. (Permits) 

§ 18. (Duty to notify the vessel traffic service centre) 

§ 19. (Duty to disclose information) 

Chapter 3. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in the counties of Østfold, Akershus, 

Oslo, Buskerud and Vestfold in the geographic area covered by the vessel 

traffic service centres in Horten and the Port of Oslo 

§ 20. (Scope) 

§ 21. (Norwegian Coastal Administration's instruction authority) 

§ 22. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Færder to Oslo (main fairways 1000 and 

1005 and secondary fairways 2014, 2020 and 2021)) 

§ 23. (Provisions that apply to the Halden fairway (main fairway 1001)) 

§ 24. (Provisions that apply to Løperen, Østerelva and Glomma to Fredrikstad and 

Sarpsborg (main fairway 1002)) 

§ 25. (Provisions that apply to the Leira and Kjøkøysund fairway (secondary fairway 2004)) 

§ 26. (Provisions that apply to Leira and Vesterelva to Fredrikstad (secondary fairway 

2005)) 

§ 27. (Provisions that apply to Søsterløpet/Rauerfjorden/Sletterrenna (secondary fairway 

2010)) 

§ 28. (Provisions that apply to the Tofteholmen–Mossesundet–Moss stretch (main fairway 

1004)) 

§ 29. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Steilene to Sandvika (secondary fairway 

2018)) 

§ 30. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Kaholmen to Engene (secondary fairway 

2013)) 

§ 31. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Filtvet to Rødtangen north of 

Ramvikholmene (secondary fairway 2022)) 

§ 32. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Gullholmen to Drammen (main fairway 

1010)) 

§ 33. (Requirement for a permit for navigating the waters around Tønsberg) 

§ 34. (Requirement that meetings and passings must be agreed for the waters surrounding 

Tønsberg) 

§ 35. (Visibility limitations for the waters surrounding Tønsberg) 

§ 36. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Torgersøygapet to Jersøy (secondary fairway 

2030)) 

§ 37. (Provisions that apply to the Husøysund to Tønsberg Channel stretch (secondary 

fairway 2031)) 

§ 38. (Provisions that apply to Huikjæla (secondary fairway 2033)) 

§ 39. (Provisions that apply to Leisteinsløpet (secondary fairway 2034)) 

§ 40. (Provisions that apply to the Granabåsundet–Vrengen–Saltbu stretch (secondary 


§ 41. (Provisions that apply to Drillen (not yet registered in the fairway system)) 

§ 42. (Provisions that apply to the Sydostgrunnen–Tjømekjæla–Tønsbergfjorden and 

Vestfjorden to Tønsberg stretch (main fairway 1012))

Chapter 4. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in the Grenland area in Telemark 

County in the geographic area covered by the vessel traffic service centre in 

Brevik 

§ 43. (Scope) 

§ 44. (Definition of the waters) 

§ 45. (Provisions that apply to the Fugløya–Porsgrunn–Skien stretch (main fairways 1022 

and 1023)) 

§ 46. (Provisions that apply to the Langesundet, stretch from Langesundsbukta to 

Figgeskjær (secondary fairway 2043)) 

Chapter 5. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in Rogaland County and parts of 

Hordaland County in the geographic area covered by the vessel traffic service 

centre on Kvitsøy 

§ 47. (Scope) 

§ 48. (Requirement for a permit to use the waters in the Rogaland area and parts of 

Hordaland) 

§ 49. (Requirement that the safest fairway must be used to the gas terminal at Kårstø) 

§ 50. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Feistein to Sveinane (main fairways 1500, 

1044 og 1045)) 

§ 51. (Provisions that apply to the entrance to Risavika (main fairway 1043)) 

§ 52. (Provisions that apply to the Tungeneset–Byfjorden–Stavanger stretch (main fairway 

1042 and secondary fairway 2113)) 

§ 53. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Åmøyfjorden to Vågholmsundet and 

Kløvningløpet to Lindøysundet east and west of Marøystein and Marøyene and 

Gandsfjorden to Sandnes (main fairway 1046)) 

§ 54. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Åmøyfjorden to Horvefjorden via 

Klovningløpet) 

§ 55. (Provisions that apply to Langøyosen) 

§ 56. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Fognafjorden to Årdal (secondary fairways 

2124 and 2125)) 

§ 57. (Provisions that apply to the Nedstrandsfjorden–Sandsfjorden–Saudafjorden to Sauda 

stretch (main fairways 1047 and 1048)) 

§ 58. (Provisions that apply to the Skudenesfjorden–Karmsundet–Sletta stretch (main 


§ 59. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Skudenesfjorden to Kårstø terminal (main 

fairway 1050) and from Skudenesfjorden to Hervikfjorden (secondary fairway 2145) 

and the adjacent waters) 

Chapter 6. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in the counties of Hordaland and 

Sogn og Fjordane in the geographic area covered by the vessel traffic service 

centre in Fedje 

§ 60. (Scope) 

§ 61. (Requirement for a permit for the use of waters in Hordaland og Sogn og Fjordane) 

§ 62. (Use of escort vessels) 

§ 63. (Sailing fairways) 

§ 64. (Duty of care) 

§ 65. (Speed limitations) 

§ 66. (Approach to main fairway 1108, Fedjeosen)

§ 67. (Main fairway 1520 Vetegjøgraskjær via Brosmeosen to Sogneuksen (Djuposen), 

secondary fairway 2280 Ånnelandsund, secondary fairway 2281 Mjømnesund and 

local fairway 22801 Hillesøyosen) 

§ 68. (Main fairway 1110 from Holmengrå to Sogneuksen (Årdalstangen)) 

§ 69. (Main fairway 1109 Fensfjorden and local fairway 22741 Leirvågsundet) 

Chapter 7. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in Møre og Romsdal 

§ 70. (Scope) 

§ 71. (Relationship to chapter 2) 

§ 72. (Requirement for a permit for the use of waters) 

§ 73. (Duty to warn and duty to listen to the radio) 

§ 74. (Requirement that the safest fairway must be used) 

§ 75. (Caution area) 

§ 76. (Visibility limitations) 

§ 77. (Signals and lights) 

§ 78. (Use of escort vessels and tugboats) 

§ 79. (Ban on the use of waters – safety zone) 

§ 80. (Anchorage) 

Chapter 8. Provisions that apply to the use of waters at Melkøya and Hammerfest Port 

§ 81. (Scope) 




§ 85. (Ban on the use of waters) 

§ 86. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Fruholmen to Melkøya (main fairway 1205)) 

§ 87. (Provisions that apply to the Lopphavet–Sørøysundet–Melkøya stretch (main fairways 

1596 and 1200)) 

Chapter 9. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in Bellsund and Van Mijenfjorden on 

Svalbard 

§ 88. (Scope) 


§ 90. (Provisions that apply to the Bellsund–Akselsundet/Mariasundet–Van Mijenfjorden 

stretch) 

Chapter 10. Criminal liability 

§ 91. (Criminal liability) 

Chapter 11. Entry into force. Abolishment of other regulations 

§ 92. (Entry into force) 

Appendix 1. Definition of vessels in category 1 and category 2 

Regulations relating to maritime traffic in specific waters 

Statutory authority: Laid down by the Ministry of Health and Care Services on 15 December 2009 pursuant to 

sections 13, 17 and 18 of Act no. 19 of 17 April 2009

§ 1. (Purpose) 

Chapter 1. Common provisions 

The purpose of these regulations is to reduce the risk of shipping accidents in Norwegian 

waters. In addition, these regulations should contribute to the efficient management of 

maritime traffic in the geographic areas covered by the vessel traffic service centres. 

§ 2. (Scope) 

Chapter 1 in the regulations applies to Norwegian waters, cf. section 2 of Act no. 19 of 17 

April 2009 relating to ports and fairways. 

The other chapters in the regulations apply to the geographic areas specified in these chapters. 

The regulations apply to the following vessels 

– vessels with a maximum length of 24 metres or more. Vessels that push a vessel and 

vessels that are pushed are considered a single vessel 

– vessels that tow an object that is longer or wider than 24 metres 

– vessels that tow an object where the combined length of the vessel and object is 35 metres 

or more. Another vessel is also considered an object 

– a category 1 vessel regardless of size (a vessel that carries particularly hazardous liquid 

and/or pollutive cargo in bulk). 

The regulations do not apply to vessels other than those mentioned in the third paragraph, 

except in the following cases: 

– If it is decided elsewhere in the regulations or pursuant to the regulations. 

– Fishing and hunting vessels that are engaged in fishing, hunting or seaweed and kelp 

trawling in the geographic area covered by a vessel traffic service centre must 

continuously monitor the centre's working channel and answer any calls. 

§ 3. (Definitions) 

In the regulations the following definitions apply 

a) Vessel: Any floating installation that can be used as a means of transport, conveyance, 

lifting device, place of accommodation, or a production or storage site, including 

submarine vehicles of any type. 

b) Passenger: A person who pays for being on board. 

c) Fishing and hunting vessel: A vessel that is used commercially for catching fish, whales, 

seals or other living resources in the sea, including seaweed and kelp. 

d) Vessels in categories 1 and 2: Vessels that carry hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo 

in bulk as stated in Appendix1. 

e) Vessel en route: A vessel is en route when it is not anchored or moored to the shore, or

has run aground. 

f) Vessels in regular service: A vessel that follows a timetable with exact times (hours and 

minutes) for arrival and departure. 

g) GT: Gross tonnage as stipulated in the vessel's international measurement certificate in 

accordance with the International Convention of 1969 on the Tonnage Measurement of 

Ships. 

h) Daylight: Daylight means that the centre of the sun is higher than 6 degrees below the 

horizon. 

i) Darkness: Darkness means that the centre of the sun is lower than 6 degrees below the 

horizon. 

j) Escort vessel: In these regulations an escort vessel refers to a tugboat that can perform a 

service that entails that it is capable of controlling the steering and reducing the speed of 

the vessel it is escorting. 

k) Waters: Areas where a vessel can operate along the coast, as well as river systems as far 

as they are navigable with vessels from the sea. 

l) Meeting or passing: Instances where vessels can come closer than ½ nautical mile to each 

other when they use the same fairway or stretch as specified in these regulations. The 

same applies when the specified fairways or stretches intersect. 

m) Rules of the road at sea: Regulations no. 5 of 1 December 1975 relating to the prevention 

of collisions at sea. 

§ 4. (Duty to report hazards) 

The master of any vessel that observes hazards of significance to safe navigation or passage, 

must immediately report this to vessels in the vicinity. Such reports must also be made to the 

Norwegian Coastal Administration as the national coordinator for navigational warnings. 

Such reports must at least include: 

– date 

– time 

– name of the person reporting or vessel 

– incident 

– position 

Others who observe hazards of significance to safe navigation or passage must report this to 

the nearest police authority, unless such reporting is obviously unnecessary. 

When the national coordinator for navigational warnings, the Norwegian Coastal 

Administration, has received a report as mentioned in section 1, it must immediately evaluate 

whether to issue navigational warnings for the area in question. 

For the reporting of accidents at sea, section 475 of the Norwegian Maritime Act and section 

47 of the Ship Safety and Security Act apply. 

§ 5. (Meetings and passings)

Whereas it is stipulated in these regulations that an agreement must be made for when two 

vessels are to meet or pass, such an agreement must be made so that the meeting or passing 

can be carried out in a safe manner. The agreement must be made over a VHF radio telephone 

in a Scandinavian language or English, and it must be made, if possible, on the working 

channel of the vessel traffic service centre. Both vessels are responsible for making contact to 

agree on the situation with the following exception: if a vessel catches up with another vessel 

as described in section 13 of the rules of the road at sea, the vessel that catches up with the 

other vessel is responsible for taking contact. 

§ 6. (Responsibility for navigation, manoeuvring, etc.) 

The vessel's master and the person responsible on the bridge are responsible for ensuring 

compliance with the provisions in these regulations. 

These regulations do not entail any changes to the responsibility of the vessel's master 

pursuant to other Acts or regulations relating to the vessel's navigation or manoeuvring. 

§ 7. (Tugboats) 

If it is stipulated in or pursuant to these regulations that a vessel must use a tugboat, the 

following applies: 

– The tugboat must have adequate capacity and be suitable for performing the job in a safe 

manner. 

– Any necessary measures must be implemented to ensure that the tugboat can be attached 

as soon as possible if it has not already been attached. 

– A tugboat that is not attached must follow the vessel at the minimum safe distance. 

§ 8. (Emergency preparedness for vessels carrying pollutive cargo) 

Vessels that carry liquid pollutive cargo in bulk must have a spark preventive and fireproof 

towing wire with eyes secured and lowered to the water fore and aft when alongside a dock, 

moored or anchored. 

Pollutive cargo in this section refers to a substance that is designated as pollutive in 

accordance with MARPOL 73/78, cf. Appendix 1. 

§ 9. (Dispensations) 

The Norwegian Coastal Administration may grant dispensation from these regulations when it 

is safe and there are special grounds for doing so. Conditions may be stipulated for such 

dispensation. 

§ 10. (Delegation) 

The Norwegian Coastal Administration may delegate authority to municipal traffic vessel 

traffic service centres to make individual decisions pursuant to these regulations. 

§ 11. (Amendment of the regulations)

The Norwegian Coastal Administration may amend and prescribe provisions in the following 

chapters with regard to when a permit from the vessel traffic service centre will be required 

for the use of specific waters. 

§ 12. (Relationship to the Public Administration Act) 

The provisions in the Act of 10 February 1967 Act relating to procedure in cases concerning 

the public administration (Public Administration Act) apply to decisions made in these 

regulations with the exceptions stated in the second paragraph. 

Section 24 of the Public Administration Act relating to grounds and section 28 relating to 

appeals does not apply to decisions made in connection with the vessel traffic service centre's 

normal operations, provided the decision is not particularly burdensome or intrusive. This 

exception does not apply to individual decisions that vessels must use tugboats. 

Chapter 2. General provisions for waters in the geographic areas covered by 

the Norwegian Coastal Administration's vessel traffic service centres and the 

vessel traffic service centre in the Port of Oslo 

§ 13. (Scope) 

The provisions in this chapter apply to the Norwegian Coastal Administration's vessel traffic 

service centres and the vessel traffic service centre in the Port of Oslo as mentioned in the 

following chapters. 

§ 14. (Communication, language requirements, duty to listen, etc.) 

In the geographic area covered by a vessel traffic service centre, all communication between 

the centre and a vessel must take place over VHF radio telephone on the channels stipulated 

by the Norwegian Coastal Administration. The Norwegian Armed Forces' vessels in public 

service can communicate with the centre by mobile telephone when necessary to complete the 

vessel's assignment. 

Vessels required to have a permit for the use of waters that are en route or anchored must 

continuously monitor the vessel traffic service centre's working channel. 

The person responsible on a vessel's bridge en route within a geographic area covered by a 

vessel traffic service centre must be able to communicate in a Scandinavian language or 

English without problems if the vessel is not using a pilot. 

§ 15. (Requirement for a permit from the vessel traffic service centre) 

A permit is required from the vessel traffic service centre before: 

1. Vessels sail into the centre's geographic area. 

2. Vessels are set in motion within the centre's geographic area. 

3. Vessels change their voyage in relation to what has been decided or agreed on with the 

centre. This also applies to stops en route.

4. Vessels anchor. 

The permits stated in the first paragraph, nos. 1 and 2, must be obtained well in advance, and 

at least 1 hour before the vessel arrives at the centre's geographic area or leaves a dock, 

anchorage site, etc., in the same waters. For a vessel in category 1 or 2 (vessels with 

hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) the deadline is at least 6 hours. If there may 

be a need to implement extraordinary safety measures or extraordinary planning related to the 

vessel's use of the waters, then the deadline is at least 24 hours in both waters, regardless of 

the type of vessel. 

A permit pursuant to the first paragraph, nos. 3 and 4 is not required if it necessary due to 

safety reasons to stop or change the voyage, and there is no time or possibility to obtain a 

permit. In these instances the vessel traffic service centre must be notified as soon as possible, 

cf. section 18, first paragraph, no. 5. 

Vessels that sail in regular service, where the voyage lasts less than one hour, are not required 

to obtain a permit in accordance with section 1 if the centre has received a timetable and the 

vessel is not delayed more than five minutes according to the timetable. However, the vessel 

must give notice just before it sails into the vessel traffic service centre's geographic area and 

just before it departs from dock within the aforementioned area. The vessel traffic service 

centre may decide that the aforementioned vessels may not depart from dock without 

permission from the centre. 

A tugboat that is assisting another vessel is not required to obtain a permit for its voyage for 

the duration of the assistance, unless the vessel traffic service centre decides otherwise. 

§ 16. (How to apply for a permit) 

If possible the application must be made over VHF radio telephone. If the vessel cannot reach 

the centre over VHF radio telephone, an application can be made by telephone or by fax. In 

special circumstances the vessel traffic service centre may decide that the application must 

made in writing and what the application must contain. 

The following information must always be provided in an application: 

1. vessel's international call signal and name 

2. vessel's position when the application is sent 

3. planned fairway to be used and port of call 

4. if the vessel is located outside the centre's geographic area: estimated time of arrival at the 

outer limit of the area, as well as the estimated arrival time at the port, mooring or 

anchorage site 

5. if the vessel is located within the centre's geographic area: the estimated time of 

departure. 

In addition to the above, the vessel traffic service centre may request that the following 

information be supplied: 

1. type of vessel, including whether it has a single or double hull

2. vessel's nationality and port of registration 

3. name and address of the vessel's owner and any managing owner 

4. name and nationality of the vessel's master 

5. name, address and telephone number of the vessel's broker/agent in Norway 

6. vessel's IMO number 

7. vessel's telephone number and fax number 

8. vessel's maximum length, width, draught and height above water 

9. vessel's current draught and height above water 

10. vessel's GT 

11. vessel's maximum speed in knots 

12. what type of manoeuvring equipment the vessel is equipped with (for example, side 

propellers or a Becker rudder) 

13. vessel's combined engine output for propulsion 

14. number of passengers on board 

15. vessel's cargo, type and quantity 

16. estimated laytime in the vessel traffic service centre's geographic area 

17. Other items requested by the vessel traffic service centre that are of significance to safety 

in ports, waters and/or the management of the traffic. 

The information mentioned above that refers to matters that are not of a variable nature (for 

example, the type and size of the vessel) should be sent in writing or provided in connection 

with pilot bookings if there is reason to assume that the vessel traffic service centre does not 

already have such information. 

§ 17. (Permits) 

A permit from the vessel traffic service centre only applies in relation to these regulations and 

does not replace any permits that are required pursuant to other regulations. 

A permit is subject to the vessel satisfying the requirements stipulated in these regulations in 

order to use the waters in question. The vessel traffic service centre is not responsible for 

checking that these requirements have been met. 

When safety considerations or efficient traffic management make such necessary, the vessel 

traffic service centre may: 

1. Refuse a permit as mentioned in section 16. A refusal may only be made applicable for 

the next 48 hours. 

2. Stipulate conditions for the permit, such as requiring the vessel to use a tugboat or escort 

vessel. 

3. Withdraw the permit or stipulate new conditions for granting a permit. 

§ 18. (Duty to notify the vessel traffic service centre)

The vessel traffic service centre must be notified as soon as possible when: 

1. Vessels sail into the centre's geographic area. 

2. Vessels are set in motion within the centre's geographic area. 

3. Vessels have moored or anchored. 

4. Vessels have been involved in an accident. 

5. Vessels have made changes to their voyage in relation to what has been decided or agreed 

on with the centre, and it has not been possible to obtain a permit, cf. section 15, third 

paragraph. This also applies to anchorage or other stops en route. 

A tugboat is not required to give notice pursuant to nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5, provided it is assisting 

another vessel, unless the vessel traffic service centre decides otherwise. 

§ 19. (Duty to disclose information) 

A vessel that is located inside a vessel traffic service centre's geographic area must 

immediately disclose the information specified in section 16, second and third paragraphs at 

the centre's request. 

Chapter 3. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in the counties of Østfold, 

Akershus, Oslo, Buskerud and Vestfold in the geographic area covered by the 

vessel traffic service centres in Horten and the Port of Oslo 

§ 20. (Scope) 

The provisions in this chapter apply to all waters in a straight line drawn from Tønsberg 

Tønne over Sydostgrunnen to the sea boundary, further along the sea boundary to the Swedish 

border, and from there along the national border to shore. The waters between these lines and 

a line drawn along latitude N 59° 48' make up the geographic area of the vessel traffic service 

centre in Horten. These waters are referred to as sector 1. The waters north of sector 1 

including Bunnefjorden are referred to as sector 2 and make up the geographic area covered 

by the vessel traffic service centre in the Port of Oslo. 

The provisions in these regulations apply to all vessels, regardless of size, when they carry 

passengers in sector 2. 

§ 21. (Norwegian Coastal Administration's instruction authority) 

The Norwegian Coastal Administration may instruct the vessel traffic service centre in the 

Port of Oslo with regard to how authority pursuant to these regulations should be exercised. 

§ 22. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Færder to Oslo (main fairways 1000 and 1005 

and secondary fairways 2014, 2020 and 2021)) 

A Permit to use the waters 

1. Pursuant to section 15 a permit from just one of the vessel traffic service centres is 

adequate if it is evident from the application that the vessel will use the waters in sector 1

and sector 2. A permit is granted by the centre that covers the sector where the vessel is 

located, or by the Horten Centre if it is not located in any of the sectors. 

2. In addition to the requirement for a general permit to use the waters, cf. section 15, the 


– Approaching vessels that are to pass Drøbak must obtain a new permit from the vessel 

traffic service centre in Horten when they pass a straight line drawn between the 

northern brink of Tofteholmen and the northern brink of Bevøya. 

– Departing vessels that must pass the boundary between the sectors mentioned in 

section 20, first paragraph, must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service 

centre in Horten when they pass a line drawn straight east-west through the lighthouse 

beacon on the south-west brink of Steilene. 

B Notification point 

Vessels that pass the boundary between the sectors mentioned in section 20, first paragraph 

must notify the centre that covers the sector that the vessel is leaving first and then notify the 

centre that covers the sector the vessel is sailing into. 

C Capacity limitations. Daylight requirements 

1. At Drøbak: 

– During daylight the waters inside a line drawn from the southern tip of Storskjær and 

directly east-west must not be used by vessels with a draught greater than 11 metres. 

In darkness or when visibility is less than 1 nautical mile the maximum permitted 

draught is 10 metres. 

2. At the entrance to the Port of Oslo: 

– Heggholmløpet (channel between Heggholmen and Lindøya) must not be used by 

vessels with a draught greater than 5.5 metres. 

– Sjursøyløpet (channel between Sjursøya and Bleikøya) and Springeren (channel 

between Lindøya and Hovedøya, and between Gressholmen and Bleikøya) must not 

be used by vessels with a greater length than 270 metres or greater width than 40 

metres. 

D Close-quarter situations. Meetings and passings. Visual limitations during 

meetings/passings 

1. The provisions in nos. 2 to 5 apply to the waters between a line straight east through the 

southern brink of Småskjær and a line straight west through the Spro beacon. The 

following fairways are located in these waters: 

– Main fairway 1000: This is the fairway that passes Drøbak, east of Kaholmen, west of 

Hallangtangen, east of Askholmene, east of Storegrunnen, west of Digerudgrunnen, 

east of Aspond, west of Fagerstrand, east of South Langåra and west of Spro. 

– Secondary fairway 2021: This is the fairway west of Askholmene, east of 

Håøygrunnene, through Ristsundet west of Aspond, west of Lågøya and west of South 

Langåra.

2. The following applies to main fairway 1000: 

On the stretch between a straight line directly east through the southern brink of Småskjær 

and a straight line directly east through the southern brink of Aspond vessels must not 

meet or pass each other if: 

– One of the vessels is in category 1 or 2 (a vessel with hazardous liquid and/or 

pollutive cargo in bulk), or 

– both vessels are larger than 3,000 GT, or 

– one of the vessel has a draught greater than 7 metres, or 

– visibility is less than 1 nautical mile. 

3. The following applies to secondary fairway 2021: 

On the stretch between a straight line from Ristodden to the southern brink of Aspond and 

a straight line from the southern brink of Askholmene to shore at Bruresteinen at Håøya a 

vessel must not catch up with or pass another vessel, and vessels must not meet. South of 

the latter line, the provisions for fairway 1000 apply as mentioned in no. 2. 

4. In the instances mentioned in nos. 2 and 3, a vessel sailing in the same direction as 

another vessel, and which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a distance of at 

least 1/2 nautical mile from the vessel in front. 

5. Vessels that may meet or pass each other must agree on this as stipulated in section 5. 

E Traffic separation 

Regulations stipulated by the Norwegian Coastal Administration apply to traffic separation. 

§ 23. (Provisions that apply to the Halden fairway (main fairway 1001)) 


In addition to the requirement for a general permit to use the waters, cf. section 15, the 

following applies: Approaching vessels that must pass the Sponvikskansen beacon must 

obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service centre in Horten when they pass a line 

directly east-west through Kattholmen beacon or a straight line drawn through the 

Terneskjæra beacon and Haslauflu boundary marker. 

B Capacity limitations. Special limitations in darkness 

During daylight the waters inside the Sponvikskansen beacon must not be used by vessels 

exceeding the following measurements. Length 160 metres, width 20 metres, draught 7.3 

metres, height 55 metres. During darkness the greatest permitted measurements are: Length 

125 metres, width 18 metres, draught 6.5 metres, height 55 metres. 

C Close-quarter situations. Meeting and passing bans 

1. Vessels that may meet or pass each other in the waters within the Sponvikskansen beacon 

must agree on this as stipulated in section 5. 

2. In the waters between the Sponvikskansen beacon and the Kråkenebbet beacon, and in the

sound at Knivsøyholmene, vessels must not meet or pass each other. 

3. In the same waters as mentioned in no. 2, a vessel sailing in the same direction as another 

vessel, and which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a distance of at least 1/2 

nautical mile from the vessel in front. 

D Visual limitations 

When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile, the waters within the Sponvikskansen beacon 

must not be used if: 

– The vessel is in category 1 (a vessel with particularly hazardous liquid and/or pollutive 

cargo in bulk), or 

– The vessel is in category 2 (a vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) 

and has a single hull, or 

– the vessel exceeds the following measurements: Length 80 metres, width 15 metres, 

draught 5 metres. 

§ 24. (Provisions that apply to Løperen, Østerelva and Glomma to Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg 

(main fairway 1002)) 



following applies: An approaching vessel that is to use Løperen must obtain a new permit 

from the vessel traffic service centre in Horten when it passes straight lines drawn from the 

Asmalsund beacon via the Tresteinene beacon and Alne marker to the Homlungen lighthouse. 

B Capacity limitations 

1. When calculating the vessel's draught, the following must be assumed: Between the 

Flyndregrunnen beacon (bottom-anchored installation between Rognholmen and 

Nøteskjæret) and the northern end of the dock at De-No-Fa a salinity of 1.010 must be 

assumed. It must be assumed that there is freshwater beyond the northern end of the dock 

at De-No-Fa. 

2. The waters on the stretch between the Vidgrunnen beacon and the Flyndregrunnen beacon 

(bottom-anchored installation between Rognholmen and Nøteskjæret) must not be used 

by vessels with a draught greater than 10.5 metres. 

3. For the waters on the stretch between the Flyndregrunnen beacon (bottom-anchored 

installation between Rognholmen and Nøteskjæret) and Berggrenodden at Alvim, the 

maximum permitted draught is stipulated by the Norwegian Coastal Administration. 

4. The waters on the stretch between the northern end of the De-No-Fa dock and 

Berggrenodden at Alvim must not be used by vessels that exceed one of the following 

measurements: Length 150 metres, height 39 metres. 

5. The waters beyond Berggrenodden must not be used by vessels that exceed one of the 

following measurements: Length 100 metres, draught 5.65 metres, height 29 metres. The 

draught limitations apply when the water level is 0 or higher. When the water level is

elow 0 the following limitations apply: 5.65 metres minus the number of centimetres that 

the water level is below 0. The height limitations apply when the water level is 0 or lower. 

When the water level is above 0, the following limitations apply: 29 metres minus the 

number of centimetres that the water level is over 0. A 0 water level is when the water 

level is at the 0 mark at the Borg Port Authority's water level meter in Sandesund. 

C Close-quarter situations. Meetings and passings. Visual limitations during 

meetings/passings 

1. In the waters inside a straight line drawn from the southern brink of Vikertangen via the 

Vidgrunnen beacon to Rødshuet, vessels must only meet and pass each other on the 

following stretches: 

– stretch from the Kvernskjærgrunnen beacon to the Lubbegrunnen beacon 

– at Løperungen when the vessels sail at each side 

– at Vestre Fugleskjærgrunnen when the vessels sail at each side 

– stretch from the Vestre Fugleskjærgrunnen beacon to Belgen 

– at Ørakaia 

– the straight stretches in Glomma above Fredrikstad bridge. 

2. In instances where vessels must not meet or pass each other, a vessel sailing in the same 

direction as another vessel, which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a distance 

of at least 1/2 nautical mile from the vessel in front. 

3. In the instances mentioned in no. 1, where vessels can legally meet or pass each other, 

this must be agreed on as stipulated in section 5. 


1. When visibility is less than 1 nautical mile, the waters on the stretch between the 

Vidgrunnen beacon and the northern end of the De-No-Fa dock must not be used if: 

– The vessel is in category 1 (a vessel with particularly hazardous liquid and/or 


– The vessel is in category 2 (a vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in 

bulk) and has a single hull, or 

– the vessel is in category 2, has a double hull and is longer than 90 metres, or 

– the vessel is longer than 125 metres or has a draught greater than 7 metres. 

2. When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile, the waters on the stretch between the 

northern end of the De-No-Fa dock and Berggrenodden must not be used if: 

– The vessel is in category 1, or 

– the vessel is in category 2 and has a single hull, or 

– the vessel is longer than 80 metres. 

3. When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical miles, the waters above Berggrenodden must not 

be used.

E Daylight requirements 

1. In the waters on the stretch between the Vidgrunnen beacon and the northern end of the 

De-No-Fa dock, the entire voyage must take place during daylight if the vessel is longer 

than 165 metres or has a draught greater than 9 metres. 

2. In the waters on the stretch between the northern end of the De-No-Fa dock and 

Berggrenodden the entire voyage must take place during daylight if: 



– the vessel is in category 2 (a vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in 




3. In the waters above Berggrenodden, the entire voyage must take place during daylight if 

the water flow is more than 1500 m 3 per second. The water flow is defined as the water 

flow in Glomma, as measured at Oslo Energi Produksjon AS's metering station at 

Solbergfoss. 

F Use of escort vessels 

1. For the stretch from Alvim to Melløs, the following vessels must use a tugboat that is 

attached 

– vessels longer than 85 metres. 

– vessels in category 1 or 2 (vessels that carry hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in 

bulk) 

– all vessels when the water flow exceeds 850 m 3 per second. 

2. The tugboat must have a towing capacity of at least 10 tonnes. When the water flow 

exceeds 1,500 m 3 per second, the tugboat must have s towing capacity of at least 15 

tonnes. 

3. The water flow is defined as the water flow in Glomma, as measured at Oslo Energi 

Produksjon AS's metering station at Solbergfoss. 

G Ban on the use of waters 

1. When the water flow exceeds 1,500 m 3 per second, the waters above Berggrenodden must 

only be used after the vessel traffic service centre in Horten has granted a special permit. 

The following safety matters must be taken into consideration when making a decision on 

granting a permit: 

– the vessel's size, manoeuvring properties and standard 

– the quantity and type of cargo 

– availability of tugboat assistance 

2. The waters above Berggrenodden must not be used when the water flow exceeds 2,000 

m 3 per second. This ban also applies to movements inside the dock area that entails that

the mooring must be detached. 

3. The water flow is defined as the water flow in Glomma, as measured at Oslo Energi 

Produksjon AS's metering station at Solbergfoss. 

§ 25. (Provisions that apply to the Leira and Kjøkøysund fairway (secondary fairway 2004)) 




– Approaching vessels must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service centre in 

Horten when they pass a straight line drawn from the Strømtangen lighthouse to the 

Papperhavn beacon. 

– Departing vessels that come from waters other than Glomma north of the Flyndregrunnen 

beacon (bottom-anchored installation between Rognholmen and Nøteskjæret in fairway 

1002) must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service centre in Horten when they 

pass a straight line drawn through the Belgen beacon and the southern brink of Store Fritt. 


The waters on the stretch between Tenneskjær beacon and Flyndregrunnen beacon (bottomanchored 

installation between Rognholmen and Nøteskjæret) must not be used by vessels that 

exceed the following measurements: Length 100 metres, width 16 metres, draught 5.2 metres, 

height 28 metres. 

C Close-quarter situations. Meetings and passings 

1. The provisions in no. 2 apply to waters that are limited by the following lines: 

– a straight line from the Strømtangen lighthouse to the Papperhavn beacon 

– a straight line from the Stangeskjær marker to the Kråka marker 

– a straight line from Faratangen to the southern brink of Glufsa 

2. In the waters mentioned in no. 1 the following applies: Vessels that may meet or pass 

each other must agree on this as stipulated in section 5. 

3. In the waters on the stretch from a straight line between the Stangeskjær marker and the 

Kråka marker to the Flyndregrunnen beacon (bottom-anchored installation between 

Rognholmen and Nøteskjæret in fairway 1002), vessels must not meet or pass each other. 

4. In the instances mentioned in no. 3, a vessel sailing in the same direction as another 

vessel, which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a distance of at least 1/2 



When visibility is less than 1 nautical mile, the waters on the stretch from a straight line 

between the Stangeskjær marker and the Kråka marker to the Flyndregrunnen beacon

(bottom-anchored installation between Rognholmen and Nøteskjæret in fairway 1002) must 

not be used. 

§ 26. (Provisions that apply to Leira and Vesterelva to Fredrikstad (secondary fairway 2005)) 



following applies: Approaching vessels must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic 

service centre in Horten when they pass a straight line drawn from the Strømtangen 

lighthouse to the Papperhavn beacon. 

B Capacity limitations. 

1. The waters between a straight line drawn from Faratangen to the southern brink of Glufsa 

and a line direct east-west through the southern brink at Huthholmen must not be used by 

vessels with a draught greater than 7.3 metres. 

2. The waters between a line drawn directly east-west through the southern brink at 

Huthholmen and a line directly west from the south-western dock corner at Åsgårdsøra 

must not be used by vessels with a draught greater than 5.5 metres. 

3. The waters on the stretch between a line directly west from the south-western corner of 

the dock at Åsgårdsøra and Tollbodkaia in Fredrikstad (at main fairway 1002) must not be 

used by vessels that exceed the following measurements: Length 85 metres, width 15 

metres, draught 5 metres. 


1. Vessels must not meet or pass each other in the waters on the stretch between a straight 

line drawn from Faratangen to the southern brink at Glufsa and Tollbodkaia in 

Fredrikstad (at main fairway 1002) except when they sail on each side of Huthholmen and 

Kjerringholmen as agreed. An agreement on meeting or passing must be made as 

stipulated in section 5. 

2. In the instances where meeting or passing is not permitted, a vessel that is sailing in the 

same direction as another vessel, and which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a 

distance of at least 1/2 nautical mile from the vessel in front. 


When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical miles, the waters between a straight line drawn from 

Faratangen to the southern brink of Glufsa and Tollbodkaia in Fredrikstad must not be used. 


In the waters between a straight line drawn from Faratangen to the southern brink of Glufsa 

and a line directly east-west through the southern brink of Huthholmen the entire voyage must 

take place in daylight if the vessel is in category 1 or 2 (vessels with hazardous liquid and/or

pollutive cargo in bulk) and exceeds one of the following measurements: Length 100 metres, 

draught 6 metres. 

§ 27. (Provisions that apply to Søsterløpet/Rauerfjorden/Sletterrenna (secondary fairway 

2010)) 




– North-bound vessels must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service centre in 

Horten when they pass a straight line drawn from the northern brink of Missingen to 

the Garnholmene beacon. 

– South-bound vessels must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service centre in 

Horten when they pass a straight line drawn from the southern brink of Bastøy to the 

southern brink of Rumpa. 

– Vessels that enter the waters from the west must obtain a new permit from the vessel 

traffic service centre in Horten when they pass a straight line drawn from the western 

edge of southern Missingen to the western edge of Eldøya. 

B Capacity limitations. 

Waters on the stretch between a straight line drawn from the northern brink of northern 

Missingen to Garnholmene and a straight line drawn from the northern brink of Kollen to the 

dock at Gårdstangen at Larkollen must not be used by vessels with a draught greater than 7 

metres. 


1. The provisions in no. 2 apply to waters that are limited by the following straight lines: 

– From the southern brink of Guttormstangen at Vesterøy via the 3.5 metre shallows at 

Seikrakk, western edge of Struten, western edge of southern Missingen, western edge 

of Eldøya, northern brink of Kollen to Brentetangen. 

2. In the waters mentioned in no. 1 the following applies: Vessels that may meet or pass 

each other must agree on this as stipulated in section 5. 


When visibility is less than 1 nautical mile, the waters as mentioned in letter C no. 1 must not 

be used if: 


cargo in bulk), or category 2 (a vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in 

bulk), or 

– the vessel is longer than 90 metres.

§ 28. (Provisions that apply to the Tofteholmen–Mossesundet–Moss stretch (main fairway 

1004)) 




– North-bound vessels must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service centre in 

Horten when they pass a straight line drawn between the northern brink at Tofteholmen 

and the northern brink at Bevøya. 

– South-bound vessels must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service centre in 

Horten when they pass a line drawn directly east from the Filtvet lighthouse to shore at 

Skjelavika. 

B Close-quarter situations. Meetings and passings 

In Mossesundet, i.e. the waters between a straight line from the northern brink of Bevøya to 

the southern brink of Sonstangen and the channel in Moss, the following applies: Vessels that 

may meet or pass each other must agree on this as stipulated in section 5. 

§ 29. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Steilene to Sandvika (secondary fairway 

2018)) 

A Capacity limitations 

The waters inside a straight line between the north-east brink of Haraholmen and 

Lilleosttangen must not be used by vessels with a draught greater than 5 metres. 

B Visual limitations 

When visibility is less than 1 nautical mile the waters within a straight line between the northeast 

brink of Haraholmen and Lilleosttangen must not be used by vessels in category 1 or 2 

(vessels with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk). 

§ 30. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Kaholmen to Engene (secondary fairway 

2013)) 

A Visual limitations 

When visibility is less than 1 nautical mile, the waters on the stretch between 

Kaholmgrunnen, Håøytangen and Engene must not be used by vessels in category 1 or 2 

(vessels with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk). 

§ 31. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Filtvet to Rødtangen north of Ramvikholmene 

(secondary fairway 2022)) 

A Permit to use the waters


following applies: Both east-bound and west-bound vessels must obtain a new permit from 

the vessel traffic service centre in Horten when they pass a straight line drawn from the 

Østnestangen beacon via the Mølen beacon to the northern brink of Østøya. 

§ 32. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Gullholmen to Drammen (main fairway 

1010)) 



following applies: Approaching vessels must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic 

service centre in Horten when they pass a straight line drawn from the Østnestangen beacon 

via the Mølen beacon to the northern brink of Østøya. Departing vessels must obtain a new 

permit from the vessel traffic service centre in Horten when they pass a straight line drawn 

from the Steinsbråten beacon to the southern brink of Hernestangen. 


1. Draught here refers to the draught in freshwater. 

2. A vessel that is to pass through Svelvikstrømmen must not be longer than 225 metres or 

have a width greater than 35 metres or a height more than 46 metres. The following 

limitations also apply: 

– a vessel with a length of more than 200 metres must not have a draught exceeding 7.6 

metres 

– a vessel with a length between 170 and 200 metres must not have a draught exceeding 

8.2 metres 

– a vessel with a length less than 170 metres must not have a draught exceeding 8.6 

metres 

3. An approaching vessel with a draught greater than 8.2 metres must adapt its speed so that 

it passes Rødtangen during rising waters. 


1. In the waters between a straight line from the Rødtangen beacon to the southern brink of 

Mørkasleodden and a straight line from the Bjørneskjær beacon to the southern brink of 

Saltskjær the following applies: Vessels that may meet or pass each other must agree on 

this as stipulated in section 5. 

2. Vessels must not meet or pass each other in the following waters: 

– waters on the stretch between a straight line from the Bjørnekjær beacon to the 

southern brink of Saltskjær and a line directly east from the Blindeskjæra beacon to 

shore at Dramstadbukta 

– the waters between a straight line immediately south from the Risgarden beacon to 

shore at Tangen and the bridge in Drammen 

3. In the instances mentioned in no. 2, a vessel that is sailing in the same direction as another 

vessel, and which is situated behind this, must maintain a distance of at least 1/2 nautical

mile from the vessel in front. 


1. During daylight the waters on the stretch between the Rødtangen beacon and 

Blindeskjæra beacon must not be used when visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile if: 



– the vessel is in category 2 (a vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in 



– the vessel is longer than 125 metres or has a draught greater than7 metres, or 

– there are oncoming vessels in the area 

2. In darkness restrictions corresponding to no. 1 apply when the visibility is less than 1 

nautical mile. 


The provisions here apply to approaching vessels. Sailing in Svelvikstrømmen must be during 

daylight if: 

– The vessel is especially designed for the transport of cars and is longer than 160 metres or 

has a draught greater than 7 metres, or 

– the vessel is longer than 200 metres or has a draught greater than 8.2 metres. 


Vessels en route in the waters on the stretch between a straight line from the Bjørneskjær 

beacon to the southern brink of Saltskjær and a line directly east from the Blindeskjæra 

beacon to shore at Dramstadbukta that are longer than 160 metres or have a draught greater 

than 8 metres must have a tugboat attached. 

§ 33. (Requirement for a permit for navigating the waters around Tønsberg) 


following applies: Vessels that are to use the waters inside a straight line from the eastern 

brink of Slagentangen via the Fulehuk lighthouse and Laksskjær beacon to the southern brink 

of land at Tønsberg Tønne must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service centre in 

Horten when they cross the aforementioned lines for the first time. 

§ 34. (Requirement that meetings and passings must be agreed for the waters surrounding 

Tønsberg)

Inside a straight line from the eastern brink of Slagentangen via the Fulehuk lighthouse, 

Færder lighthouse and Tjømeboen to the southern brink of land at Tønsberg Tønne the 

following applies: Vessels that may meet or pass each other must agree on this as stipulated in 

section 5. 

§ 35. (Visibility limitations for the waters surrounding Tønsberg) 

When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile, the waters inside a straight line from the eastern 

brink of Slagentangen via the Fulehuk lighthouse, Færder lighthouse and Tjømeboen to the 

southern brink of the shore at Tønsberg Tønne must not be used if: 


cargo in bulk), or 

– the vessel is in category 2 (a vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) 

and has a single hull, or 

– the vessel is longer than 90 metres. 

§ 36. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Torgersøygapet to Jersøy (secondary fairway 

2030)) 


Section 33 applies correspondingly to a permit to use the waters. 


Torgersøygapet must not be used by vessels with a draught greater than 5 metres. 


1. On the stretch between a straight line from the beacon on Torgersøy to the eastern brink 

of Batteriet on Valløy, and a straight line from the northern brink of Ormøya to shore at 

Valløy in the direction of the Valløy Church, vessels must not meet or pass each other. 


vessel, and which is situated behind this, must maintain a distance of at least 1/2 nautical 


§ 37. (Provisions that apply to the Husøysund to Tønsberg Channel stretch (secondary 





The waters between a line from the western brink of Jarlsø in the direction straight south to 

shore at Husøy dock and a line along latitude N 59° 16' from the dock area at Kaldnes to

shore at the docks in Tønsberg must not be used by vessels that exceed one of the following 

measurements: Length 110 metres, width 17 metres, draught 5.5 metres. 


1. In the waters inside a straight line from the Jersøy beacon in the direction 235° to shore at 

Husøy dock, vessels must only meet and pass each other on the stretch between 

Kalvetangen and the outermost green buoy in the Tønsberg channel. 


direction as another vessel, which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a distance 

of at least 1/2 nautical mile from the vessel in front. 

§ 38. (Provisions that apply to Huikjæla (secondary fairway 2033)) 



§ 39. (Provisions that apply to Leisteinsløpet (secondary fairway 2034)) 




Leisteinsløpet (channel south of the Leistein beacon) must not be used by vessels that exceed 

one of the following measurements: 

– in daylight: Length 150 metres, width 20 metres, draught 5.5 metres 

– in darkness: Length 90 metres, width 16.5 metres, draught 5.0 metres. 

§ 40. (Provisions that apply to the Granabåsundet–Vrengen–Saltbu stretch (secondary 





The stretch from Granabåsundet from the beacon on Tørgersøy, Leia to Måkerøyflaket and 

Vrengen to Tjømekjæla (Saltbuflua beacon) must not be used by vessels that exceed the 

following measurements 

– in daylight: Length 150 metres, width 20 metres, draught 5.5 metres, height 28 metres 

– in darkness: Length 100 metres, width 16.5 metres, draught 5.0 metres, height 28 metres.

§ 41. (Provisions that apply to Drillen (not yet registered in the fairway system)) 




Drillen, i.e. the waters on the stretch between a straight line from the Svarten marker to the 

3.5 meter shallows at Drillenflaket and Måkerøyflaket must only be used during daylight. 

§ 42. (Provisions that apply to the Sydostgrunnen–Tjømekjæla–Tønsbergfjorden and 

Vestfjorden to Tønsberg stretch (main fairway 1012)) 




For the waters inside a line drawn directly east from the southern brink of Trælsodden to 

shore south of the Kausen beacon on Nøtterøy the maximum permitted draught will be 

stipulated by the Norwegian Coastal Administration. 


1. Vessels must not meet or pass each other in the waters on the inside of a line drawn 

directly east from the southern brink of Trælsodden to shore south of the Kausen beacon 

on Nøtterøy. 


vessel, and which is situated behind this, must maintain a distance of at least 1/2 nautical 


Chapter 4. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in the Grenland area in 

Telemark County in the geographic area covered by the vessel traffic service 

centre in Brevik 

§ 43. (Scope) 

The provisions in this chapter apply to the waters inside straight lines drawn from the 

northernmost point on Mølen via the northernmost point on Såsteinen to the easternmost point 

on Halvorodden. The provisions here do not apply to the watercourse above Klosterfossen 

and the sluices in Skien. 

§ 44. (Definition of waters) 

a) Kjørtingløpet is the channel between Kjørtingen and the northern part of Geiterøya. This 

channel is limited by straight lines drawn between the fixed installations with beacons 

that indicate the width of the channel.

) The Kalvenløpet channel includes Helgeroafjorden, Håøyfjorden, Kalven and Kalvsundet. 

The waters are limited in the south by a line drawn straight north through the 

Fugløyskjæret beacon to Arøya and in the north by a straight line from the southern brink 

of Kalvehue on Sandøya and the north-west brink of Bjørkøyholmen. 

c) Langesundet is the waters between the town of Langesund and Langøya. These waters are 

limited in the south by a straight line east from the southern brink of Langesundstangen 

an in the north by a straight line directly east from the Figgeskjær beacon. 

d) Brevikstrømmen is the waters between a straight line from the Gjermundsholmen beacon 

to the southern brink of Ulrikka at Blokkhustangen and straight lines from the Flauodden 

beacon via the Midtfjordskjær beacon to the southern brink of Skjerkøya. 

e) Torsbergrenna is the waters between a straight line from the southern brink of Torsberg to 

the outermost light buoy in the channel and a straight line from the north end of 

Dypvannskaia in a 310° direction to shore at Torsberglandet (on the opposite side). 

f) The Skien River is the waters between a straight line from the northern end of 

Dypvannskaia in a 310° direction to shore at Torsberglandet (on the opposite side) and a 

straight line between the southernmost (lowermost) buoys in Gråtenløpet. 

g) Gråtenløpet is the waters between straight lines between the southernmost buoys and 

between the northernmost buoys in Gråtenløpet. 

§ 45. (Provisions that apply to the Fugløya–Porsgrunn–Skien stretch (main fairways 1022 

and 1023)) 


A general permit to use the waters must be obtained as stipulated in section 15. 

B Capacity limitations. Daylight requirements 

1. Kjørtingløpet must not be used by vessels that exceed one of the following measurements: 

Length 200 metres, width 30 metres, draught 10.5 metres. 

2. Kalvenløpet must not be used by vessels that exceed one of the following measurements: 

Length 300 metres, draught 14 metres. When the vessel is longer than 205 metres or has a 

draught greater than 11 metres the entire voyage must be made during daylight. 

3. Brevikstrømmen must not be used by vessels that exceed one of the following 

measurements (for vessels in category 1 or 2, see no. 4): Length 225 metres, draught 11 

metres. When the vessel is longer than 205 metres or has a draught of more than 10.2 

metres, the entire voyage must be made during daylight. 

4. Brevikstrømmen must not be used by vessels in category 1 or 2 (vessels with hazardous 

liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) that exceed one of the following measurements: 

Length 205 metres, draught 11 metres. When the vessel has a draught of more than 10.2 

metres, the entire voyage must be made during daylight. 

5. Torsbergrenna must not be used by vessels that are wider than 28 metres. The maximum 

permitted draught may be stipulated by the Norwegian Coastal Administration. 

6. The following applies to the Skien River: 

– On the stretch between the northern end of Torsbergrenna and the Frednes bridge the 

same limitations apply as for Torsbergrenna.

– The stretch between the Frednes bridge and Gråtenløpet must not be used by vessels 

that exceed one of the following measurements: Length 110 metres, width 16 metres, 

draught 27 metres. The maximum permitted draught may be stipulated by the 

Norwegian Coastal Administration. 

7. Gråtenløpet must not be used by vessels that exceed one of the following measurements: 

Length 85 metres, width 14 metres, draught 5 metres. 

8. The greatest draught for vessels must be based on the fact that the waters from 

Torsbergrenna to the Port of Skien is freshwater. 

C Ban on the use of waters 

In the Skien River the waters above the Menstad bridge must not be used if the water level in 

Hjellevannet, measured at the Skotfoss power station, is above 5.1 metres. 


1. For waters between the boundary for the scope of these regulations in the south (see 

section 43) and the northern end of Torsbergrenna, with the exception of the stretch from 

Langesundsbukta to Figgeskjær (secondary fairway 2034, see section 47 D), the 

following applies: When the visibility is less than 1 nautical mile in all or parts of the 

waters, the waters must not be used by vessels in category 1 or 2 (vessels with hazardous 

liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) or by other vessels with a length greater than 160 

metres. This does not apply to vessels that are anchored and have an uninterrupted view 

of the dock or mooring installation to be used, or vessels that are moored at a dock or 

other installation and are to move to an anchorage site that lies within view. 

2. When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile, Torsbergrenna and the Skien River must not 

be used. 

E Close-quarter situations. Meetings and passings 

1. In the cases where meeting or passing is permitted, the meeting or passing must be agreed 

on as stipulated in section 5. 

2. Vessels must not meet or pass each other if one of the vessels is in category 1 or 2 (a 

vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) or 

3. Vessels must not meet or pass each other in the following stretches if one of the vessels is 

more than 4,000 GT. 

– in Kjørtingløpet 

– in Kalvsudet between a line directly south of Oreholmen to shore at Bjørkøya and a 

straight line from Kalvehue on Sandøya to the northern brink of Tangen on Bjørkøya 

– in Brevikstrømmen 

– in the waters between the southern end of Torsbergrenna and Skien. 

4. In the instances mentioned in nos. 1 and 2, a vessel sailing in the same direction as 

another vessel, and which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a distance of at

least 1/2 nautical mile from the vessel in front. 


1. The following vessels must use an escort vessel when they are en route: 

– vessels in category 1 (a vessel with particularly hazardous liquid and/or pollutive 

cargo in bulk) and over 500 GT 

– vessels in category 2 (a vessel with particularly hazardous liquid and/or pollutive 

cargo in bulk) and over 3,500 GT. 

2. For the vessels stated in no. 1 the following applies: 

– On approach a tow connection must be established as soon as practically possible and 

safe after passing the boundary specified in section 43. When the weather does not 

permit the attachment of an escort vessel before the vessel enters Dypingen, the vessel 

must instead enter Helgeroafjorden where a tugboat must be attached. The 

Kalvenløpet channel must be used then for the continuing voyage. 

– On departure the towing connection must be established before the vessel leaves the 

dock. The escort vessel must be attached until the vessel has passed Kjørtingløpet and 

is on course out of Dypingen. 

– For towing between the dock and anchorage site, the towing connection must be 

established before the vessel leaves the dock or anchorage site. 

– When manoeuvring to dock, tugboats may be used at the discretion of the master or 

pilot. 

3. In Brevikstrømmen vessels that exceed one of the following measurements must use a 

tugboat: Length 185 metres, width 27 metres, draught 10 metres. An escort vessel must be 

attached. 

§ 46. (Provisions that apply to Langesundet, stretch from Langesundsbukta to Figgeskjær 

(secondary fairway 2043)) 


A general permit to use the waters must be obtained as stipulated in section 15. 


1. Langesundet must not be used for through traffic by vessels with a width greater than 14 

metres or a draught greater than 5 metres. 

2. Vessels with a width greater than 14 metres or draught greater than 5 metres that are to 

call or depart from the port of call in Langesund must use the southern approach. 

C Ban on the use of waters

Langesundet must not be used by vessels in category 1 or 2 (vessels with hazardous liquid 

and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) that exceed one of the following measurements: This does not 

apply to vessels in category 2 that call at Langesund to load or unload. 


When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile in Langesund, the waters must not be used by 

vessels in category 1 or 2 (vessels with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk). 

E Close-quarter situations. Meetings and passings 


2. Vessels must not meet or pass each other if one of the vessels is in category 2 (a vessel 

with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) or if one of the vessels is greater 

than 2,000 GT. 


direction as another vessel, and which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a 


Chapter 5. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in Rogaland County and 

parts of Hordaland County in the geographic area covered by the vessel traffic 

service centre on Kvitsøy 

§ 47. (Scope) 

The scope of the regulations encompasses all the waters inside straight lines drawn: From the 

Håskru beacon to Bømlahuk. Onwards from there in a 270° direction to the position N 59° 

34,5' E 04° 53,6'. Onwards to the position N 59° 19,6' E 04° 43,8'. Onwards to N 59° 17,3' E 

04° 42,8'. Onwards to N 59° 14,3' E 04° 43,7'. Onwards to N 59° 05,6' E 05 ° 05,4'. Onwards 

to N 58° 58,9' E 05° 14,9'. Onwards to N 58 ° 45,0' E 05° 21,6'. From there in a 090° direction 

to Jærens Rev at the position N 58° 45,0' E 05° 29,6'. 

§ 48. (Requirement for a permit to use the waters in the Rogaland area and parts of 

Hordaland) 

A general permit to use the waters must be obtained as stipulated in sections 15 and 16 with 

the following exceptions: Vessels less than 100 metres long are not required to obtain a permit 

when they only use the waters east of a line from the Toftøy beacon – Storholmen blinker – 

Plentinggrunnen blinker – directly south to shore at Ryfylkekaien. However, for vessels that 

use the main fairway 1047 to/from Sauda the following applies: A permit must be obtained as 

mentioned when they are to use the waters inside a straight line between Vardnesset and 

Holeneset. 

§ 49. (Requirement that the safest fairway must be used to the gas terminal at Kårstø) 

Vessels in category 1 or 2 (vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) that 

are to call or depart from the gas terminal at Kårstø, and that arrive from the sea or are to 

depart to the sea, must use the approach/departure in Skudenesfjorden (main fairway 1050).

This also applies when these vessels make a stop en route. The fairway north of Arsgurnnen 

beacon must not be used. 

§ 50. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Feistein to Sveinane (main fairways 1500, 

1044 og 1045)) 




In main fairway 1500, east of Midtfjæra, the waters between a straight line directly west from 

the Flatholmen beacon and a straight line in a 273.5° direction from the Tananger beacon 

must not be used by vessels that have a draught greater than 10 metres. 

C Ban on through traffic 

1. The provisions here apply inside an area limited by: A line drawn directly east from the 

Feistein lighthouse. A straight line from the Feistein lighthouse to Sveinane beacon and 

from there a line drawn directly east. 

2. The provisions here apply to the following vessels: 

– vessels in categories 1 and 2 (vessels with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in 

bulk) that are longer than 120 metres or that have a draught greater than 7 metres 

– other vessels that exceed the following measurements: Length 180 metres, draught 8.5 

metres. However, for passenger vessels the greatest permitted length is 210 metres. 

The aforementioned vessels must not use the waters south and east of Kvitsøy unless they are 

approaching or departing from the dock, mooring installation or anchorage site in the area 

stated in no. 1. 

D Visual limitations. Close-quarter situations. Meetings and passings 

1. The provisions in nos. 2 and 3 apply to the waters between a line directly west from the 

Kolnesholmane beacon and a line directly east from the Oksefotskjæret beacon to shore at 

Tananger. 

2. When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile, the following applies: The waters must not 

be used by vessels that have a draught greater than 10 metres. Vessels must not meet or 

pass each other if: 



– one of the vessels is longer than 120 metres or has a draught greater than 7 metres. 

Other vessels that may meet or pass each other must agree on this as stipulated in section 5. 


vessel, and which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a distance of at least 1/2


§ 51. (Provisions that apply to the entrance to Risavika (main fairway 1043)) 




The waters inside a straight line between the Tananger beacon and the Laksholmskjæret 

beacon must not be used by vessels with a draught greater than 15.8 metres. 


1. In the waters between a straight line from the western edge of Staholmen to Risneset and 

a line in a 240° direction from the Melingsholmen beacon to shore on the opposite side of 

the inlet, vessels must not meet or pass each other if: 

– one of the vessels is longer than 120 metres or has a draught greater than 7 metres, or 

– visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile. 




§ 52. (Provisions that apply to the Tungeneset–Byfjorden–Stavanger stretch (main fairway 

1042 and secondary fairway 2113)) 




1. The waters between Plentinggrunnen and Bybrua must not be used by vessels that have a 

draught greater than 7 metres. 

2. Staumsteinsundet under Bybrua must not be used by vessels that exceed one of the 

following measurements: Length 70 metres, height 24 metres. The length limitations do 

not apply to vessels in regular service (see section 2, no. 6) or vessels that have a special 

permit from the vessel traffic service centre for through traffic. 

C Ban on through traffic 

The following vessels must not use secondary fairway 2113 through the port of Stavanger as a 

through-traffic fairway 

– vessels in category 1 or 2 (vessels that carry liquid, hazardous and/or pollutive cargo in 

bulk)

– vessels that exceed the following measurements: Length 35 metres, height 24 metres. 

Through traffic means that the vessel does not call to port, moor or anchor inside an area that 

is limited by a straight line from the Dusavika beacon to Kvitepynten and Bybrua. 

This ban does not apply to vessels in regular service (see section 2, no. 6) or vessels that have 

a special through-traffic permit from the vessel traffic service centre. 

D Close-quarter situations. Meeting and passing bans 

1. In the waters on the stretch between Bybrua and a straight line from Ulsneset in a 240° 

direction to shore at Tasta, vessels must not meet or pass each other if: 







E Visual limitations 

When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile, the waters on the stretch between Bybrua and a 

straight line from Ulsneset in a 240° direction to shore at Tasta must not be used if: 



– the vessel is in category 2 and is longer than 90 metres, or 


F Daylight requirements 

In the waters on the stretch as stipulated in letter D above, the entire voyage must be made 

during daylight if the vessel is longer than 180 metres or has a draught greater than 10 metres. 

§ 53. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Åmøyfjorden to Vågholmsundet and 

Kløvningløpet to Lindøysundet east and west of Marøystein and Marøyene and Gandsfjorden 

to Sandnes (main fairway 1046)) 



B Close-quarter situations. Meeting and passing bans 

1. The provisions in no. 2 apply to the following stretches:

– the waters between a line directly south from the western edge of Vågholmen and a 

line directly south from the Galten marker 

– the waters between a straight line west of the Lindøysund beacon to shore at Vassøy 

and a straight line from the western brink of Lindøy to the southern brink of 

Vassøykalven 

– the waters between a straight line from the northern brink of Lille Marøy to shore at 

Sirigrunnen and a straight line from the southern brink of store Marøy via the Gansflu 

beacon and directly west to shore at Hillevågneset. 

2. Vessels must not meet or pass each other if: 







§ 54. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Åmøyfjorden to Horvefjorden via 

Klovningløpet) 



B Ban on use of the fairway 

The waters between a straight line from the southern brink of Kobbholmen to the northern 

brink of Sandøyvarden and a straight line from the southern brink of Kobbholmen to the 

Klovningane marker must not be used by vessels in category 1 or 2 (vessels with hazardous 

liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) or by vessels that are longer than 100 metres or that 

have a draught greater than 6 metres. 

§ 55. (Provisions that apply to Langøyosen) 



B Ban on the use of waters 

The waters between a straight line from Sandneset to the western brink of Langøy and a 

straight line from the southern brink of Vassøy to Kobbstein must not be used by vessels in 

category 1 or 2 (vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) or by vessels that 

are longer than 100 metres or that have a draught greater than 5.5 metres. 

§ 56. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Fognafjorden to Årdal (secondary fairways 

2124 and 2125)) 

A Permit to use the waters



The waters inside a straight line from Sør Skorneset to the eastern headland at Eikeli must not 

be used by vessels that are longer than 120 metres or have a draught greater than 7 metres. 


1. In the waters on the stretch between a line from Sør Skorneset to Eikeliodden and a line 

from Kvannholmen to Lindetåni vessels must not meet or pass each other. 





When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile, the waters on the stretch between a line from 

Sør Skorneset to Eikeliodden and a line from Kvannholmen to Lindetåni must not be used by 

vessels that are longer than 90 metres. 

§ 57. (Provisions that apply to the Nedstrandsfjorden–Sandsfjorden–Saudafjorden to Sauda 

stretch (main fairways 1047 and 1048)) 


In addition to the requirement for a general permit to use the waters, (cf. section 48), the 

following applies: approaching vessels must obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic 

service centre on Kvitsøy when they pass a straight line from the southern brink of Vardneset 

to the Jelsahunden beacon. 

B Capacity limitations. Daylight requirements 

1. The waters inside a line directly east-west through the Kviteholmen beacon must not be 

used by vessels that are greater than 20,000 GT or that are longer than 180 metres. 

2. In the waters on the stretch between a line directly east-west through Kviteholmen beacon 

and a straight line from Øynestangen on Nevøyna in a 310° direction to shore at 

Brattberg, the entire voyage must be made in daylight if the vessel is greater than 7,000 

GT. 


1. In the waters between a straight line drawn from the western brink of Tjørnaneset to the 

southern brink of Reiphammarodden and a straight line drawn from Øynestangen in a 

310° direction to shore at Brattberg, vessels must only meet or pass each other on the 

following stretches:

– in Kallvikhavet on the stretch from Skorpeskjæret (islet north-east of eastern Skorpa) 

to the Ottøyna beacon 

– the stretch from Fureholmen to Åsarøyholmen 

– the stretch from Hamborgneset to the south-west brink of Nevøyna 



direction as another vessel, and which is situated behind this vessel, must maintain a 



When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile, the waters between a straight line from the 

western brink of Tjørnaneset to the southern brink of Reiphammarodden and a straight line 

from Øynestangen in a 310° direction to shore at Brattberg must not be used if: 

– the vessel is in category 1 or 2 (a vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo 

in bulk), or 

– the vessel is greater than 7,000 GT 

§ 58. (Provisions that apply to the Skudenesfjorden–Karmsundet–Sletta stretch (main fairway 

1501)) 



following applies: Vessels that are to use Karmsundet and approach from the south must 

obtain a new permit from the vessel traffic service centre on Kvitsøy when they pass N 59° 

12'. 


In the waters on the stretch between a line directly east from Bøneset to shore at Moksheim 

and a line directly west from Norheimskjær to shore at Karmøy must not be used by vessels 

with a draught greater than 9 metres. 


1. The provisions in no. 2 apply to the following stretches: 

– under Karmsundbrua and in the waters 300 metres north and south of the bridge 

– in the strait at Bukkøy on the stretch between a line in a 050° direction from the 

northern brink of Bukkøy to shore north of Vormedal and a straight line from the 

south-east brink of Bukkøy to the Snikspynten beacon. 



pollutive cargo in bulk), and is longer than 100 metres or more

– one of the vessel is longer than 120 metres, or 

– visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile. 




D Ban on through traffic. Visual limitations 

1. The following vessels must not use main fairway 1501 through Karmsundet as a throughtraffic 

fairway: 

– vessels in categories 1 and 2 (vessels with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in 

bulk) that are longer than 120 metres or that have a draught greater than 7 metres 

– other vessels that exceed the following measurements: Length 180 metres, draught 8.5 

metres. However, for passenger vessels the greatest permitted length is 210 metres. 

2. When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile Karmsundet must not be used as a throughtraffic 

fairway by vessels that are longer than 120 metres or that have a draught greater 

than 7 metres. 

3. Through traffic means that the vessel does not call to port, moor or anchor in Karmsundet 

on the stretch between the Skudenes beacon and Kvalen beacon. 

§ 59. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Skudenesfjorden to Kårstø terminal (main 

fairway 1050) and from Skudenesfjorden to Hervikfjorden (secondary fairway 2145) and the 

adjacent waters) 




1. The provisions in no. 2 apply to the waters inside straight lines drawn from the Billingen 

beacon in a direction directly north to shore at Kårstø and from the Billingen beacon in a 

235° direction to shore at Austre Bokn. 

2. When visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile vessels in category 1 or 2 (vessels with 

hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) must not use the waters. 

C Ban on the use of waters 

1. In the waters mentioned in letter B, no. 1 above the following applies: When a vessel in 

category 1 or 2 (a vessel with hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk) is en route, 

the waters must not be used by other vessels. This does not apply to tugboats assisting 

during arrival or departure at the Kårstø terminal. 

2. The waters inside the safety zone at the Kårstø gas terminal (see nautical chart no. 18) 

may only be used by vessels less than 24 metres in length when they have obtained a

permit from the terminal. 

D Use of tugboats 

1. In the waters mentioned in letter B, no. 1 above the following vessels must use a tugboat: 

– vessels in category 1 (vessels with particularly hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo 

in bulk) and over 500 GT 

– vessels in category 2 (vessels with particularly hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo 

in bulk) and over 3000 GT 

2. For tugboat use, the following applies, cf. section 7: 

– On arrival the tugboat must be attached before a line in a 235° direction from the 

Billingen beacon to shore at Austre Bokn is passed. 

– On departure a tugboat must be attached before the vessel leaves the dock until the 

aforementioned line has been passed and the vessel has obtained navigation speed and 

is on the correct course. 

– On departure from the anchorage site inside the area stated in letter B, no. 1, a tugboat 

must be attached before the anchor is raised from the seabed. 

Chapter 6. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in the counties of 

Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane in the geographic area covered by the vessel 

traffic service centre in Fedje 

§ 60. (Scope) 

The regulations apply here to the waters inside the area limited by straight lines between the 

following geographic coordinates, cf. nautical charts nos. 483, 23, 24, 120 and 208. 

1. 60° 34.92' N 4° 50.41' E (southernmost point at Alvøy) 

2. 60° 40.52' N 4° 47.71' E (Røbbeganstangen beacon) 

3. 60° 40.52' N 4° 33.53' E 

4. 60° 56.45' N 4° 24.62' E 

5. 60° 56.45' N 4° 45.26' E (Kråkene beacon) 

6. 60° 52.38' N 4° 46.87' E (Røytingkalven beacon) 

7. 60° 49.93' N 5° 05.87' E (Halsvikklubben beacon) 

8. 60° 47.90' N 5° 04.40' E (Hamneflu beacon) 

9. 60° 49.15' N 4° 45.37' E (Vetegjøgraskjer beacon) 

10. 60° 34.62' N 4° 59.28' E (Basholmen beacon) 

11. 60° 34.92' N 4° 50.41' E (southernmost point at Alvøy) 

§ 61. (Requirement for a permit for the use of waters in Hordaland og Sogn og Fjordane) 

A general permit for the use of waters must be obtained as stipulated in sections 15 and 16.

§ 62. (Use of escort vessels) 

Vessels exceeding 20,000 GT in categories 1 and 2 that are carrying hazardous liquid or 

pollutive cargo in bulk to or from ports or anchorage sites must use an escort vessel when they 

are en route in waters within the sea boundary. 

For safety reasons, the vessel traffic service centre may require that a vessel below the 

aforementioned tonnage limit use an escort vessel. 

The vessel traffic service centre may order the use of multiple escort vessels for safety 

reasons. 

The rules in section 17, third paragraph apply correspondingly. 

§ 63. (Sailing fairways) 

Excluding the exceptions stated in the second paragraph, vessels that carry hazardous or 

pollutive cargo must navigate whenever possible inside an area limited by straight lines drawn 

between the following geographic coordinates: 

1. 60° 53.30' N 4° 26.40' E 

2. 60° 51.60' N 4° 36.00' E 

3. 60° 52.00' N 4° 44.20' E 

4. 60° 51.40' N 4° 48.00' E 

5. 60° 51.10' N 4° 51.35' E 

6. 60° 50.90' N 4° 57.60' E 

7. 60° 49.55' N 5° 05.60' E 

8. 60° 48.00' N 5° 04.50' E 

9. 60° 48.80' N 5° 03.00' E 

10. 60° 49.75' N 5° 00.00' E 

11. 60° 49.75' N 4° 58.70' E 

12. 60° 49.05' N 4° 58.70' E 

13. 60° 49.05' N 4° 56.50' E 

14. 60° 50.50' N 4° 55.55' E 

15. 60° 50.72' N 4° 52.47' E 

16. 60° 50.23' N 4° 45.69' E 

17. 60° 49.31' N 4° 44.57' E 

18. 60° 48.00' N 4° 44.96' E 

19. 60° 46.93' N 4° 46.39' E 

20. 60° 37.20' N 4° 55.00' E 

21. 60° 36.78' N 4° 52.33' E 

22. 60° 37.70' N 4° 51.28' E 

23. 60° 38.30' N 4° 51.60' E

24. 60° 40.40' N 4° 49.75' E 

25. 60° 43.93' N 4° 44.00' E 

26. 60° 44.60' N 4° 40.00' E 

27. 60° 43.90' N 4° 31.68' E 

28. 60° 48.17' N 4° 29.28' E 

29. 60° 45.08' N 4° 40.34' E 

30. 60° 44.52' N 4° 43.54' E 

31. 60° 45.47' N 4° 46.19' E 

32. 60° 46.68' N 4° 45.27' E 

33. 60° 51.18' N 4° 39.36' E 

34. 60° 51.11' N 4° 36.00' E 

35. 60° 49.77' N 4° 28.40' E 

36. 60° 53.30' N 4° 26.40' E 

Excluded from this area are waters that lie within straight lines drawn between the following 

geographic coordinates: 

1. 37. 60° 51.24' N 4° 43.26' E 

2. 38. 60° 51.21' N 4° 45.20' E 

3. 39. 60° 50.95' N 4° 49.06' E 

4. 40. 60° 50.64' N 4° 44.76' E 

5. 41. 60° 49.35' N 4° 43.19' E 

6. 42. 60° 50.73' N 4° 41.87' E 

7. 43. 60° 51.24' N 4° 43.26' E 

As long as the vessel traffic service centre does not decide otherwise, other vessels may also 

navigate within the area indicated in this paragraph. 

§ 64. (Duty of care) 

When sailing in the waters specified in section 60, all the vessels must exercise particular 

caution, regardless of the vessel's size and the nature of the cargo. 

§ 65. (Speed limitations) 

In the waters specified in section 60, vessels with hazardous or pollutive cargo must not 

maintain a speed greater than 10 knots. Vessels participating in oil pollution control actions 

are exempt from this provision. 

§ 66. (Approach to main fairway 1108, Fedjeosen) 


Section 61 applies correspondingly to a permit to use the waters.

B Meetings, passings and visual limitations in main fairway 1108 

In the waters 1 ½ nautical miles west and 1 nautical mile east of a line drawn from the 

Hellesøy lighthouse to the Bolleflesi beacon, vessels over 50,000 GT in category 1 or 2 that 

carry hazardous liquid or pollutive cargo in bulk must not meet other vessels that are longer 

than 150 metres. 

§ 67. (Main fairway 1520 Vetegjøgraskjær via Brosmeosen to Sogneuksen (Djuposen), 

secondary fairway 2280 Ånnelandsund, secondary fairway 2281 Mjømnesund and local 

fairway 22801 Hillesøyosen) 



B Ban on through traffic in main fairway 1520 Vetegjøgraskjær via Brosmeosen to 

Sogneuksen 

The waters through Brosmeosen must not be used by 

– vessels in category 1 or 2 and that carry hazardous liquid or pollutive cargo in bulk and 

that are longer than 150 metres 

– passenger vessels that are longer than 210 metres 

– other vessels that are longer than 180 metres 

C Meetings, passings and visual limitations in main fairway 1520 Vetegjøgraskjær via 

Brosmeosen to Sogneuksen 

In the waters through Bosmeosen, vessels must not meet or pass each other if: 

– visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile and 

– one of the vessels is longer than 120 metres. 

D Capacity limitations for secondary fairway 2280 Ånnelandsund 

Free sailing clearance under Ånnelandsundet bridge is 30 metres. 

E Ban on through traffic in secondary fairway 2280 Ånnelandsundet 

The waters at Ånnelandsundet must not be used by 

– vessels in category 1 or 2 that carry liquid, hazardous or pollutive cargo in bulk or 

– are longer than 70 metres, or 

– other vessels that are longer than 100 metres.

F Capacity limitations for secondary fairway 2281 Mjømneosen 

Free sailing clearance under Mjømnesundet bridge is 25 metres. 

G Ban on through traffic in local fairway 22801 Hillesøyosen 

The waters at Hillesøyosen must not be used by 

– vessels in category 1 or 2 that carry liquid, hazardous or pollutive cargo in bulk or 

– that are longer than 150 metres, 

– passenger vessels that are longer than 210 metres, or 

– other vessels that are longer than 180 metres 

H Meetings, passings and visual limitations for local fairway 22801 Hillesøyosen 

In the waters through Hillesøyosen vessels must not meet or pass each other if 

– visibility is less than 1/2 nautical mile and 


§ 68. (Main fairway 1110 Holmengrå to Sogneuksen (Årdalstangen)) 



§ 69. (Main fairway 1109 Fensfjorden and local fairway 22741 Leirvågsundet) 



Chapter 7. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in Møre og Romsdal 

§ 70. (Scope) 

The provisions in this chapter apply to all waters inside areas limited by the coastline and 

straight lines between the following points: 

a) from the sea boundary at the position N 62° 30.00', E 005° 36.10' to Kvitneset at the 

position N 62° 25.30', E 006° 00.00' to Eltraneset at the position N 62° 26.10', E 006° 

03.20' to Tuneset at the position N 62° 28.20', E 006° 05.40' to Kvervodden at the 

position N 62° 29.50', E 006° 09.80' to the south-west on Bjørnøya at the position N 62° 

33.10', E 006° 13.20' 

b) from Harhaugneset at the position N 62° 36.80', E 006° 26.45' to Neset north of 

Hellandhamn at the position N 62° 36.90', E 006° 27.80'

c) from Baraldsneset at the position N 62° 37.40', E 006° 33.20' to north-west on Tennøy at 

the position N 62° 37.80', E 006° 35.40' to north of Sandeneset at the position N 62° 

39.40', E 006° 46.40' to Storåkerneset at the position N 62° 38.30', E 006° 54.50' 

d) from Furneset at the position N 62° 39.20', E 007° 05.00' to Vevarneset at the position N 

62° 41.70', E 007° 20.70' 

e) from Dvergsnes at the position N 62° 44.20', E 007° 21.70' to the east on Bolsøy at the 

position N 62° 44.00', E 007° 20.60' 

f) from Torhusneset at the position N 62° 43.80', E 007° 15.80' to the north of Moldeholmen 

at the position N 62° 43.70', E 007° 10.90' to Kringstadvorpa at the position N 62° 43.80', 

E 007° 03.80'. From north of Erga at the position N 62° 54.60', E 006° 54.00' to the 

position N 63° 00.00', E 006° 50.00' to the position N 63° 00.00', E 006° 34.00' to the 

position N 62° 57.00', E 006° 24.60' to the sea boundary at the position N 62° 52.00', E 

006° 24.60' along the sea boundary to the position N 62° 30.00', E 005° 36.10' 

With the exception of sections 74, 76 and 80, the provisions in this chapter apply only to 

vessels in categories 1 and 2 (vessels that carry hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in 

bulk). 


The provisions in chapter 2 apply correspondingly to the Mid-Norway Coastal Administration 

where applicable. 


Vessels in category 1 or 2 that are to call at or depart from Nyhamna must obtain a permit 

from the Mid-Norway Coastal Administration to use the waters as stipulated in sections 15 

and 16. 

§ 73. (Duty to warn and duty to listen to the radio) 

Vessels in category 1 or 2 that are to call at Nyhamna must report their name, call signal and 

planned sailing route to and from Nyhamna on VHF channels 16 or 14. This must be 

performed as follows: 

– 30 minutes prior to arrival at the caution area stipulated in section 75 

– 15 minutes prior to arrival and departure in Nyhamna 

– when they leave the caution area stipulated in section 75 

Vessels that are en route in the waters or anchored in the caution area stipulated in section 76 

must continuously monitor VHF channels 14 and 16. This duty to listen applies to all vessels 

that are equipped with a VHF radio telephone. For vessels that are not equipped with VHF 

channel 14, the duty to listen is limited to VHF channel 16. 


A Definition of fairways

1. The fairway between the pilot embarkation point north of Ono (position N 62° 56.00', E 

006° 27.00') and Nyhamna, refers to the safest fairway between the pilot embarkation 

point and, north of Klakken, onwards to main fairway no. 1131, which passes over 

Buajupet, along parts of this fairway west of Oddane, east of Bjørnsund, east of 

Skjerlingan west of Harøyodden and Nyhamna. 

2. The fairway between Breisundet and Nyhamna via the Saltstein fairway refers to the main 

fairways or parts of main fairway nos. 1123, 1536, 1537, 1538 and 1131, which pass 

between a straight line drawn between position N 62° 29.50', E 005° 35.00' and N 62° 

33.40', E 005° 42.90' and the pilot embarkation point south of Godøy (position N 62° 

27.00', E 005° 58.80'), south of Valderøy, west of Kjeholmen, east of Vigra, north of 

Lepsøya, west of Haramsøya, north of Hildreneset, west of Raudholmane, east of Fjørtoft, 

west of Orta, east of Sandøy, west of Flatflesa, north of Bjørnsund, east of Skjerlingan, 

west of Harøyodden and Nyhamna. 

3. The fairway between Breisundet and Nyhamna via Midfjorden refers to the main fairways 

or parts of main fairway nos. 1123, 1536, 1537, 1129 and 1131, which pass between a 

straight line drawn between position N 62° 29.50', E 005° 35.00' and N 62° 33.40', E 005° 

42.90' and the pilot embarkation point south of Godøy (position N 62° 27.00', E 005° 

58.80'), south of Valderøy, west of Kjeholmen, east of Vigra, north of Lepsøya, west of 

Haramsøya, north of Hildreneset, south of Raudholmane, south of Dryna, through 

Midfjorden, north of Tautra, west of Julneset, east of Kua, east of Hogsnes, west of 

Tornes and Nyhamna. 

4. The fairway between Nyhamna and the anchorage site in Karlsøyfjorden refers to parts of 

the main fairway no. 1131 that passes west of Tornes, east of Hognes, east of Kua, west 

of Julneset and the safest fairway from there to the anchorage site in Karlsøyfjorden. 

5. The fairway between Nyhamna and the anchorage site in Midfjorden, south of Tautra, 

refers to parts of the main fairway no. 1131, which passes west of Tornes, east of Hognes, 

east of Kua, west of Julneset and the safest fairway from there east of Tautra to the 

anchorage site south of Tautra. 

B Requirement that the safest fairway must be used 

1. Vessels in category 1 or 2 that exceed 25,000 GT and have a maximum draught of over 9 

metres must use the fairway described in letter A, no. 1. 

2. Vessels in category 1 or 2 that are over 25,000 GT and have a maximum draught of over 

9 metres must use the fairways as described in letter A, no. 2 or no. 3. 

§ 75. (Caution area) 

All vessels must show special caution and consideration for vessels that display day and night 

signals as described in section 77 within a caution area that is limited by straight lines drawn 

between the following points: 

1. N 62° 46.50' E 006° 35.60' 

2. N 62° 46.50' E 006° 33.80' 

3. N 62° 53.00' E 006° 42.60' 

4. N 62° 54.89' E 006° 44.71'

5. N 62° 55.78' E 006° 44.31' 

6. N 62° 56.88' E 006° 43.23' 

7. N 62° 57.60' E 006° 50.64' 

8. N 62° 55.40' E 006° 51.34' 

9. N 62° 54.26' E 006° 51.69' 

10. N 62° 53.70' E 006° 54.41' 

11. N 62° 52.67' E 006° 56.17' 

12. N 62° 52.30' E 006° 58.16' 

13. N 62° 51.71' E 006° 59.18' 

14. N 62° 51.14' E 006° 59.82' 

15. N 62° 50.35' E 006° 58.88' 

16. N 62° 50.05' E 006° 59.08' 

17. N 62° 49.96' E 007° 00.12' 

18. N 62° 49.52' E 007° 00.15' 

19. N 62° 48.84' E 006° 59.33' 

20. N 62° 47.45' E 006° 57.91' 

21. N 62° 44.13' E 006° 57.91' 

22. N 62° 43.39' E 006° 58.55' 

23. N 62° 41.85' E 007° 02.32' 

24. N 62° 41.81' E 007° 10.30' 

25. N 62° 43.06' E 007° 17.35' 

26. N 62° 43.75' E 007° 22.33' 

27. N 62° 42.54' E 007° 22.33' 

28. N 62° 40.85' E 007° 12.71' 

29. N 62° 39.67' E 006° 59.33' 

30. N 62° 39.26' E 006° 56.45' 

31. N 62° 38.68' E 006° 52.96' 

32. N 62° 39.80' E 006° 52.05' 

33. N 62° 40.52' E 006° 56.15' 

34. N 62° 41.19' E 006° 56.15' 

35. N 62° 40.33' E 006° 51.84' 

36. N 62° 41.00' E 006° 51.16' 

37. N 62° 41.95' E 006° 55.67' 

38. N 62° 42.43' E 006° 56.72' 

39. N 62° 45.94' E 006° 56.67' 

40. N 62° 48.03' E 006° 56.67' 

41. N 62° 49.55' E 006° 57.89' 

42. N 62° 50.32' E 006° 57.80'

43. N 62° 50.98' E 006° 58.13' 

44. N 62° 51.04' E 006° 57.37' 

45. N 62° 51.21' E 006° 56.55' 

46. N 62° 51.66' E 006° 56.85' 

47. N 62° 53.24' E 006° 53.73' 

48. N 62° 53.71' E 006° 52.28' 

49. N 62° 54.02' E 006° 50.86' 

50. N 62° 54.19' E 006° 48.74' 

51. N 62° 53.77' E 006° 46.37' 

52. N 62° 52.00' E 006° 42.70' 

53. N 62° 46.50' E 006° 35.60' 

§ 76. (Visibility limitations) 

When visibility is under 1 nautical mile, vessels exceeding 18,000 GT in category 1 or 2 that 

are to call at or depart from Nyhamna must not use the waters inside the caution area specified 

in section 75. 

§ 77. (Signals and lights) 

Inside the caution area specified in section 75, vessels exceeding 18,000 GT in category 1 or 2 

must display day and night signals where they are the most visible on the vessels as follows: 

– When it is dark three 360-degree lanterns with red lights must be placed vertically on top 

of each other must be used. 

– A single lantern must be used during daylight. 

When vessels in category 1 or 2 call at or depart from Nyhamna a suitable vessel must give a 

warning of this by means of a fast blinking blue light from a position where it can best be seen 

by other vessels in the fairway. 

§ 78. (Use of escort vessels and tugboats) 

A Escort vessel 

Vessels in category 1 or 2 that are to call at or depart from Nyhamna must use escort vessels 

as follows: 

1. Ona: Vessels that must take a pilot on board north of Ona must attach an escort vessel NE 

of Klakken before they pass the line drawn between the positions N 62° 56.88', E 006° 

43.23' and N 62° 57.60', E 006° 50.64' until they are docked at Nyhamna. All vessels in 

category 1 or 2 must attach an escort vessel before departure from the dock at Nyhamna 

until they have passed the line specified in the first sentence. 

2. Orta: Vessels that take a pilot on board at Breisundet and use the Saltstein fairway must 

attach an escort vessel west of Orta before they pass the line drawn between positions N

62° 46.50', E 006° 35.60' and N 62° 46.50', E 006° 33.80' until they are docked at 

Nyhamna. All vessels in category 1 or 2 must have an escort vessel attached before 

departure from Nyhamna until they have passed the line stipulated in the first sentence. 

3. Midfjorden: Vessels that take a pilot on board at Breisundet and enter into Midfjorden to 

sail up Julsundet must attach an escort vessel west of Orta before they pass the line drawn 

between positions N 62° 40.33', E 006° 51.84' and N 62° 41.00', E 006° 51.16' until they 

are docked at Nyhamna. All vessels in categories 1 or 2 must have an escort vessel 

attached before departure from Nyhamna until they have passed the line as stated in the 

first sentence. 

4. Breisundet: Vessels that are carrying gas condensate and satisfy section 74, letter B, no. 2 

may discharge the pilot at Breisundet. These vessels must have an escort vessel attached 

before departure from Nyhamna dock until they are outside the caution area, cf. section 

75. Outside the caution area they must use an escort vessel as an accompanying vessel 

until they have passed the Hogsten lighthouse (position N 62° 27.79', E 006° 01.89'). 

5. Anchorage sites in Karlsøyfjorden and Midfjorden: Vessels en route to anchorage sites 

must have an escort vessel attached before they depart from Nyhamna and until they are 

anchored. Vessels that are to depart from the anchorage sites must have an escort vessel 

attached before raising anchor and until they are docked at Nyhamna. 

B Tugboats 

Vessels in category 1 or 2 that are to call at or depart from the dock at Nyhamna must use a 

tugboat in addition to an escort vessel. 

The provisions in section 7 concerning tugboats apply correspondingly. 

§ 79. (Ban on the use of waters – safety zone) 

No traffic is permitted from the terminal at Nyhamna inside a safety zone limited by straight 

lines between the following points: 

– position N 62° 51.50' E 006° 56.73' (Selsneset) 

– position N 62° 51.20' E 006° 58.00' 

– position N 62° 51.05' E 006° 57.96' (Steinneset) 

Tugboats and mooring boats that assist during arrival and departure from Nyhamna are 

exempt from the ban in the first paragraph. 

§ 80. (Anchorage) 

Vessels in category 1 or 2 must, if there is a need to anchor, use the following anchorage sites. 

1. In Karlsøyfjorden inside an area limited by straight lines between the following points: 

– position N 62° 42.61' E 007° 22.26' 

– position N 62° 41.95' E 007° 17.40' 

– position N 62° 42.96' E 007° 17.40'

– position N 62° 43.66' E 007° 22.26' 

2. In Midfjorden, south of Tautra, inside an area limited by straight lines between the 

following points: 

– position N 62° 39.41' E 006° 56.82' 

– position N 62° 38.83' E 006° 53.54' 

– position N 62° 39.60' E 006° 53.20' 

– position N 62° 39.82' E 006° 55.62' 

Vessels in category 1 or 2 that are to sail between Nyhamna and the defined anchorage sites 

must use the fairways as stipulated in section 74, letter A, nos. 4 and 5. 

For safety reasons, the Mid-Norway Coastal Administration may order vessels in category 1 

or 2 that are to call at or depart from Nyhamna to proceed to a designated anchorage site. The 

Mid-Norway Coastal Administration may order vessels to vacate the anchorage sites. 

Chapter 8. Provisions that apply to the use of waters at Melkøya and 

Hammerfest ports 

All positions in this chapter are specified in WGS 84. 

§ 81. (Scope) 

The provisions in this chapter apply to all waters inside a straight line drawn as follows: 

a) from the Tarhalsen beacon at the position N 70° 52.2', E 023° 18.9' to Vevarneset at the 

position N 71° 05.6', E 023° 15.3'. Onwards directly east to the position N 71° 05.6' E 

023° 59.5' at the Fruholmen lighthouse. From there to Portholmneset to the position N 71° 

04.3' E 023° 59.4'. 

b) From Hammarneset at the position N 71° 02.6', E 023° 59.2' to Trollfjordneset at the 

position N 71° 02.2', E 023° 59.2'. 

c) From Rolvsøyskolten at the position N 70° 55.1', E 023° 59.9' to the position N 70° 41.4', 

E 023° 59.9' at Indreneset on Kvaløy. 

d) From the Straumen beacon at the position N 70° 36.1', E 023° 35.7' to the position N 70° 

36.1', E 023° 33.4' at Rassladd on northern Seiland. 

e) From the position N 70° 26.7' E 022° 52.0' at Baardveggen on western Seiland to the 

position N 70° 23.5' E 022° 46.3' at Varneset on Stjernøy. 

f) From position N 70° 20.0', E 022° 20.9' to the western brink of Stjernøy to Sildmylingen 

beacon at the position N 70° 23.5', E 021° 42.2'. From there directly west to the position 

N 70° 23.6' E 020° 59.5'. From there directly north to the position N 70° 40.2' E 020° 

59.5'. From there directly east to the Fuglen beacon at the position N 70° 40.2' E 021° 

58.8'. 

With the exception of section 86 the provisions in this chapter apply only to vessels in 

categories 1 and 2 (vessels that carry hazardous liquid and/or pollutive cargo in bulk). 

§ 82. (Relationship to chapter 2)

The provisions in section 2 apply correspondingly to the Coastal Administration in Troms and 

Finnmark where applicable. 


Vessels in category 1 or 2 must obtain a permit from the Coastal Administration in Troms and 

Finnmark to use the waters as stipulated in sections 15 and 16. 


A Definition of fairways 

1. Main fairway 1205 refers to the waters on the stretch from the pilot embarkation area 

west of the Fruhomen lighthouse at the position N 71° 05.0' E 023° 37.5' and southwards 

west and east of Skipsholmen and Revsholmen, onwards between Akkarnæringen on the 

north-east brink of Sørøya and the Mylingen beacon on the north-west brink of Kvaløya 

to the docks at the gas terminal on Melkøya or the Port of Hammerfest. 

2. Main fairway 1596 refers to the waters on the stretch from the pilot embarkation area in 

Lopphavet at the position N 70° 38.0' E 021° 13.5' and south-eastward between the 

Hånebba beacon on the south-west brink of Sørøya and the Sildmylingen beacon on the 

northern brink of Silda, through Sørøysundet to Hjelmen. 

3. Main fairway 1200 refers to the waters south and north of Hjelmen and Håja or between 

these, to the docks at the gas terminal on Melkøya or the Port of Hammerfest. 

B Requirement that the safest fairway must be used 

1. Vessels in category 1 or 2 that are to call at or depart from the terminal at Melkøya, or 

anchor or depart from the anchorage site in the waters, must use main fairway 1205 from 

or to the pilot embarkation area west of Fruholmen. 

2. In very special circumstances, for example, when the weather or other conditions make it 

safer, the Coastal Administration in Troms and Finnmark may decide that vessels in 

category 1 or 2 may nevertheless use main fairways 1596 and 1200 through Sørøysundet 

from or to Lopphavet. 

§ 85. (Ban on the use of waters) 

Operating in the following waters is not permitted for any vessel when a vessel in category 1 

or 2 is en route in the waters, with the exception of escort vessels, tugboats and mooring boats 

that assist during arrival and departure at the Melkøya terminal: 

– Within a radius of 1.5 nautical miles from the south-west brink of Melkøya. In the south 

the restricted zone is broken at coordinates N 70° 39.3' and E 023° 34.5' and from there in 

a straight line in a 040° direction to the brink south of Meland. 

Traffic in the following waters is not permitted for all vessels without a permit from the 

terminal:

– Within a safety zone 200 metres wide around the entire island of Melkøya. 

§ 86. (Provisions that apply to the stretch from Fruholmen to Melkøya (main fairway 1205)) 




When visibility is less than 1 nautical mile, vessels in categories 1 and 2 must not use the 

waters. 

C Use of escort vessels 

1. The following vessels that are to call at or depart from the Melkøya terminal must use an 

escort vessel: 

– vessels in category 1 over 500 GT 


2. The following applies to the use of escort vessels, cf. section 7: 

– On arrival, the escort vessel must be ready to assist north of a line in the direction 

directly east of Akkarfjordnæringen from when the pilot arrives on board. 

– On arrival, the escort vessel must be attached before a line in the direction directly 

east of Akkarfjordnæringen has been passed. If the weather conditions do not allow 

this, then the arrival must be aborted. 

– On departure, an escort vessel must be attached before the vessel leaves the dock or 

anchorage site until the aforementioned line has been passed and the vessel has 

obtained navigation speed and is on the correct course. 

– Vessels that are to anchor must have an escort vessel attached before the 

aforementioned line has been passed, until the vessel has been anchored. 

– For towing between the dock and anchorage site, the escort vessel must be attached 

before the vessel leaves the dock or anchorage site. 

§ 87. (Provisions that apply to the stretch Lopphavet–Sørøysundet–Melkøya (main fairways 

1596 and 1200)) 




When visibility is less than 1 nautical mile, vessels in categories 1 and 2 must not use the 

waters. 

C Use of escort vessels

1. The following vessels that are to call at or depart from the Melkøya terminal must use an 

escort vessel: 



2. The following applies to the use of escort vessels, cf. section 7: 

– On arrival, the escort vessel must be ready to assist west of a line directly south of the 

Karken beacon in Sørøysundet from when the pilot arrives on board. 

– On arrival, the escort vessel must be attached before passing a line directly south from 

the Karken beacon in Sørøysundet. If the weather conditions do not allow this, then 

the arrival must be aborted. 

– On departure, an escort vessel must be attached before the vessel leaves the dock or 

anchorage site until the aforementioned line has been passed and the vessel has 

obtained navigation speed and is on the correct course. 

– Vessels that are to anchor must have an escort vessel attached before the 

aforementioned line has been passed and until the vessel has been anchored. 

– For towing between the dock and anchorage site, the escort vessel must be attached 

before the vessel leaves the dock or anchorage site. 

Chapter 9. Provisions that apply to the use of waters in Bellsund and Van 

Mijenfjorden on Svalbard 

§ 88. (Scope) 

The provisions in this chapter apply to all waters inside a straight line drawn as follows: From 

the Bellsund beacon on Kapp Martin at the position 77° 43.1' N, 13° 56.7' E to Kapp Lyell at 

the position 77° 34.5' N, 14° 14.4' E. 


The provisions in section 2 apply correspondingly to the Coastal Administration in Troms and 

Finnmark where applicable. 

§ 90. (Provisions that apply to the Bellsund–Akselsundet/Mariasundet–Van Mijenfjorden 

stretch) 

A Permit requirement for the use of Akselsundet og Mariasundet 

Vessels must obtain a permit from the Coastal Administration in Troms and Finnmark to use 

Akselsundet og Mariasundet as stipulated in sections 15 and 16. Akselsundet refers to the 

waters within a radius of 1.5 nautical miles from the Akseløya beacon at the position 77° 44.8' 

N, 14° 34.3' E. Mariasundet refers to the waters within a radius of 0.3 nautical miles from 

position 77° 40.6' N, 14° 49.6' E. 

B (passage through Akselsundet) 

1. For vessels that are to pass through Akselsundet, the following applies:

– Akselsundet must not be used by vessels that exceed one of the following 

measurements: Length 250 metres, draught 15 metres. 

– Current, weather and ice conditions must be considered with regard to the vessel's 

engine power, steering characteristics, stability, equipment and technical standard. 

– Ice conditions must not interfere with safe navigation. 

– Maximum steering power must be activated. 

– The vessel's anchors must be ready for use. 

– Passage through the strait must be made when the speed of the current is less than 1.5 

knots. 

– Visibility must be more than 1 nautical mile. 

2. For vessels longer than 160 metres, the following applies: 

– An escort vessel must be attached before the vessel arrives at Akselsundet and 

throughout the entire passage through the strait. A tugboat must also escort the vessel 

and be ready to assist, cf. section 7. 

– The wind speed must not exceed 14 metres per second. 

C Precautions 

Before a vessel uses an escort vessel in accordance with the provisions in item B, no. 2, and 

passes through Akselsundet, the escort vessel must check the following: 

– ice conditions 

– current conditions 

– position of light buoys 

The results of these checks must be reported to the vessel before it arrives at Akselsundet and 

is entered into the vessel's and tugboat's deck journals. 

D Close-quarter situations. Meetings and passings 

1. The provisions in no. 2 apply to Akselsundet. 


– one of the vessel is in category 1 or 2 





4. Vessels other than those mentioned in no. 2 must agree on meeting situations over VHF. 

E Seabed clearance requirements

Vessels that are at dock or moving inside the dock area must have a seabed clearance that 

keeps the vessel afloat at all times. Seabed clearance refers to the distance between the ship's 

hull and the seabed. 

§ 91. (Criminal liability) 

Chapter 10. Criminal liability 

A violation of the regulations or individual decisions issued pursuant to the regulations is 

punishable pursuant to section 62 of Act no. 19 of 17 April 2009 relating to ports and 

fairways. 

Chapter 11. Entry into force. Abolishment of other regulations 

§ 92. (Entry into force) 

These regulations enter into force on 1 January 2010. 

On the same date Regulations no. 1273 of 11 December 1998 relating to maritime traffic in 

specific waters (Maritime Traffic Regulations) and Regulations no. 566 of 21 July 1992 

relating to the approach to the Sture and Mongstad port terminals will be revoked. 

Appendix 1. Definition of vessels in category 1 and category 2 

Category 1: Encompasses the following vessels: 

Vessels that transport the following substances in bulk: 

Gasses: 

– All gas condensates. Vessels that have carried gas are considered identical to vessels 

carrying gas if the tanks have not been cleaned and are free of gas. 

Other substances: 

– All substances in pollution category X and all other substances that require vessel type 

1 or vessel type 2. Vessels that have carried the aforementioned substances are 

considered identical to vessels carrying such substances if the tanks have not been 

cleaned and are free of the substances. 

Category 2: Encompasses the following vessels: 

Vessels that transport the following substances in bulk: 

Oil cargoes: 

– Vessels that transport cargoes as stated in Marpol Annex I for petroleum oils. Vessels 

that have carried the aforementioned substances are considered identical to vessels 

carrying such substances if the tanks have not been cleaned and are free of the 

substances. The tanks being filled with a neutral gas is considered the same as the

tanks being cleaned. 

Other substances: 

Definitions: 

– All substances that require vessel type 3 and are not included in category 1. 

– All liquids with a flash point below 23 degrees Celsius that do not belong in the 

aforementioned categories. Vessels that have carried the substances mentioned in nos. 

1 and 2 are considered identical to vessels carrying such substances if the tanks have 

not been cleaned and are free of the substances.. The tanks being filled with a neutral 

gas is considered the same as the tanks being cleaned. 

a) The pollution category is the same as found in Annex II to Marpol 73/78, as well as 

substances that are provisionally categorised as such substances. 

b) Marpol 73/78 refers to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from 

Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto. 

c) Vessel types 1, 2 and 3 refers to the same as is found in the IBC Code, chapter 17 or the 

BCH Code, chapter VI. 

d) The IBC Code refers to the International Chemical Code for the Construction and 

Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk and subsequent amendments. 

e) The BCH Code refers to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying 

Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk. 

f) The flash point for a liquid refers to the lowest temperature that vapour from the liquid 

creates a flammable mixture with air. 

Database last updated on 6 Oct 2011

Forskrift om sjøtrafikk i bestemte farvann - Kystverket

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