What is the primary purpose of a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS)?

The primary purpose of a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) is to separate opposing streams of traffic. TSS are designated pathways in congested or busy waterways designed to guide vessels safely and efficiently through specific areas. By organizing ships into different lanes for vessels traveling in opposite directions, TSS enhance navigational safety, reduce the risk of collisions, and improve overall marine traffic flow. This separation helps ensure that vessels can operate at safe distances from one another, particularly in areas where visibility may be restricted or where there are numerous vessels operating simultaneously.

The other potential purposes listed do not align with the fundamental goal of a TSS. Regulating speed limits for vessels, providing shortcuts, or allowing fishing activity would not adequately address the need for safe navigation and collision avoidance that TSS are specifically designed to support.