VV-GDWS 24-7: Traffic Control Center Instructions

List of Assets for VV-GDWS 24-7

• Annex 0 contains additional operating instructions for the NOK traffic control center located in Brunsbüttel.
• Annex 0 relates to administrative regulation VV-WSV 2408 of the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration.
• Annex 0 also relates to administrative regulation VV-GDWS 24-7 of the Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping.
• Annex 0's outline is structured as follows:
  • Section 1: General
  • Section 2: Focuses on the NOK traffic control center, covering aspects like the head of the traffic control center (2.1), the Head of Kiel-Holtenau Lock Operations Centre (2.2), and various roles such as Watch Manager (2.3), Navigator in the steering (2.4), and Lock Assistants (2.8.1, 2.8.2, 2.8.3).
  • Section 3: Final Provisions
• Annex 1 shows representation of district responsibility for the NOK traffic control center.
• Annex 2 details the implementation of the local radio service before and on the NOK.
• Annex 3 addresses procedures for certain high or low water levels.
• Annex 4 outlines accident and crisis management protocols.
• Annex 5 covers the recognition of pushed and towed convoys and their staffing with canal helmsmen.
• Annex 6 involves monitoring ship and equipment heights in the locks on the Kiel Canal.
• Annex 7 presents the fallback concept of the VKz NOK.

Section 1 "General"

• Operating regulation applies to all employees of the NOK traffic control center, including the lock operating point.
• If a guard is unable to work, the responsible operations manager or someone representing them, must be informed immediately.
• The workplace can only be left during working hours with permission from a supervisor.
• Each watch must be handed over in an orderly manner.
• Entry to the ships in the locks is only permitted upon express instructions from a superior, and is only allowed for official reasons.
• All customs regulations must be strictly observed, and employees are prohibited from engaging in any kind of trade or barter transactions.
• All employees are strictly prohibited from driving or using third-party means of transport.

Section 2 "NOK Traffic Center"

• The head of the traffic control center generally works on a day-shift basis.

• The head of the traffic control center is responsible for the following additional tasks:

  • Training and further education of the traffic control center staff.
  • Ensuring preparation of duty and holiday schedules for the employees, except those of Kiel-Holtenau lock operating station.
  • Supervising the documentation kept at the traffic control center.
  • Representing the head of the lock operation office in Kiel-Holtenau.
  • Monitoring outsourced operational services (like mooring services) in Brunsbüttel as the client's representative.

• The head of the Kiel-Holtenau lock operations center generally works on a day-shift basis.

• The manager of the Kiel-Holtenau lock operations center is responsible for additional tasks:

  • Training and further education for staff of their center.
  • Preparing duty and holiday schedules for employees of their center.
  • Supervising documentation kept at their center.
  • Representing the Head of the NOK Traffic Centre in their absence.
  • Monitoring outsourced operational services (like mooring services) in Kiel-Holtenau.

• The NvD is responsible for technical supervision of all employees of their station, and evaluating readily available data to ensure the safety and smooth flow of shipping.

• The NvD is responsible for river and shipping police tasks for the Kiel Canal WSA, along with monitoring traffic planning/handling and traffic flow coordination in order to ensure optimal traffic management.

• The NvD is responsible for the observation of inland port traffic with the associated signalling, determination/monitoring of ship “canal capability,” and monitoring of ship dimensions permitted for canal traffic.

• The NvD responsibilities include reviewing NOK Web/SDA and AIS data, as well as accident management according to alarm plans.

• Documentation/forwarding of accident data and reports of important events are accountabilities for the NvD.

• The NvD is responsible for the instruction/training of new employees in the VkZ.

• Responsibilities of the NvD include:

  • Ensuring operational capability of navigators and nautical assistants on the entire canal stretch through rotation.
  • Carrying out administrative tasks and PFSO duties as per separate instructions.

• Navigators in the steering service are responsible for:

  • Independent traffic planning from the Brunsbüttel lock to km 49.5 or from km 49.5 to the Kiel-Holtenau lock, along with the implementation of necessary traffic control measures based on route-time image.
  • Evaluating all available data/data systems and other information, carrying out necessary radio traffic on VHF channels, and initial accident management.

• Navigators are responsible for:

  • Supporting the NvD in documenting and forwarding accident data.
  • Checking signal settings, observing inland port traffic, and supporting the NvD in determining 'canal capability.’
  • Supporting the NvD in monitoring ship dimensions through NOKweb/SDA, verifying NOK Web/SDA and AIS data, and instructing new steering service employees.
  • Taking over duties of the VkZ assistant in the steering service.

• The Nautical Assistant in the Steering Service provides support during their watch.

• The Nautical Assistant in the Steering Service tasks include:

  • Procurement and processing of data.
  • Proper NOK-Web/SDA management for arriving/departing vehicles.
  • Proper management/processing of tow trains on the NOK.
  • Checking AIS data in NOK-Web/SDA, requesting portable transponders, monitoring radar equipment, and overseeing vehicle registration/deregistration.

• The Nautical Assistant in the Steering Service tasks also include:

  • Providing necessary communication services, and assisting with administrative activities under the ISPS Code.
  • Recording lay times of inland port traffic for tax purposes, maintaining additional lists specified by the Head of the Traffic Centre, and updating the Crusader announcement device.

• The First Nautical Assistant in the lock service is responsible for:

  • Maintaining safety and order, reporting any malfunctions to the NvD.
  • Disposing approaching vessels to both groups of locks with safety, speed, and appropriateness, and considering conditions/agreements/information.
  • Handling VHF radio traffic, the operation of access and lock signals, and initiating canal-side switching in Brunsbüttel.

• The First Nautical Assistant in the lock service is responsible for:

  • Receiving all required messages.
  • Opening and closing the lock gates.
  • Monitoring ship dimensions, possibly correcting traffic groups, and consulting with the NvD.
  • Checking AIS equipment of ships calling from outside.
  • Controlling visual signals for vessels entering the Kiel Canal.
  • Continuously observing maneuvers, identifying misconduct, monitoring visitor traffic, and supervising third-party services.

• Supervision of nautical assistants, employees in lock deck service, along with the proper maintenance of records.

• Responsibilities of the First Nautical Assistant in the lock service include reporting special incidents or doubts about traffic handling.

• The First Nautical Assistant in the lock service must initiate immediate weather-related measures in the lock area.

• Notification to the NvD or relevant heads is necessary if there are doubts about an employee's capabilities.

• The First Nautical Assistant in the lock service is also responsible for:

  • Instruction and training.
  • PFSO assistant tasks.
  • Receiving VHF messages from vessels in Kiel-Holtenau.

• Two additional nautical assistants support the first nautical assistant during each watch.

• The nautical assistants in the lock service are in account of monitoring:

  • Gate movements.
  • Operations and work at the locks, providing mooring lines/equipment.
  • Proper condition/position of fenders.

• The nautical assistants are responsible for monitoring ship dimensions.

• Additionally nautical assistans are responsible for:

  • Entering/processing lock data.
  • Checking permissible ship heights.
  • Handling VHF radio traffic.
  • Submitting required reports
  • Operation and control of lock fog signals.
  • Assisting in new employee induction in the VkZ.

• When deployed at small locks, nautical assistants are responsible for:

  • Disposition of incoming shipping following all criteria, such as safety.
  • Draining of the NOK in Brunsbüttel according to separate instructions.
  • Supervising moorings assigned to small locks, including the timely provision of necessary means and equipment.

Lock Deck Service

• Lock deck service includes lock assistants, inland masters, and lock deckhands.

• Lock deck service is subordinate in terms of service and technical supervision.

• The lock assistant Binnenhaupt is the foreman of the lock deckhands on their watch, and oversees the daily staff reports.

• The lock assistant Binnenhaupt is responsible for:

• Planning the annual holiday plan, operating the lock gate release, switching the lock signals as per the First Nautical Assistant.

• The lock assistant Binnenhaupt is responsible for continuous monitoring incoming/outgoing ship traffic, especially in poor visibility, and deployment of lock deckhands.

• Furthermore Binnenhaupt is responsible for:

  • Reporting "ship-lock gate" distances and vessels' draughts, and forwarding damage reports.
  • Berth monitoring in Brunsbüttel, checking safety devices, and continuous monitoring of visitor traffic.

• Lock deckhands Kleine Schleuse (Brunsbüttel) are grouped within the watches.

• Lock deckhands Kleine Schleuse (Brunsbüttel) also have distinct responsibilities:

  • Readiness in protective clothing, flawless throwing lines, hooking/unhooking ship lines, and clear communication with the ship or pilot.

• Lock deckhands Kleine Schleuse (Brunsbüttel) Responsibilities also include:

  • Reporting ship draughts, putting board shore connections, and handling the service operation equipment, and counteracting unauthorized traffic.

• Lock deckhands Kleine Schleuse (Brunsbüttel) are also responsible for:

  • Carrying out work ordered by the nautical assistant in the lock service small lock, observing traffic, forwarding identified damage, and carrying out dike watch.

• Lock deckhands at the Large Lock are responsible for being ready at the instruction of the First Navigational Assistant while wearing protective clothing.

• Lock deckhands at the Large Lock are also resposible for:

  • Reporting "ship-lock gate" distances, reporting draughts of vessels, operating the lock gate release, handling provided equipment, counteracting unautharized traffic, and winter service.

• The lock deckhands on the Great Lock are:

  • Also responsible for observing traffic and forwarding information of identified damage.

Section 3 Schlussbestimmungen

• Disseminating Additional Operating Instructions, VV-WSV 2408, and VV-GDWS 24-7 to all Verkehrszenrale NOK employees.
• New employees must acknowledge awareness in writing.
• Infringements of regulations may carry disciplinary or legal consequences.
• Employee participation rights are guaranteed.
• This service regulation replaces previous directive from April 10, 2008, and Operating Instructions No. 1 - 17 from March 2, 1998, including amendments.
• With awarding of the mooring service to private companies, tasks and staffing are subject to change.