The central waters of Bohai Bay serve as the critical gateway for vessels accessing Tianjin, Huanghua, and Caofeidian — three of China's busiest cargo ports handling hundreds of millions of tonnes annually. The area is characterised by complex intersecting traffic flows, dense fishing activity, and a collision history that prompted China MSA to act. On November 25, 2025, China MSA promulgated the "Vessel Routing System for the Central Waters of Bohai Bay," effective January 1, 2026, for five years. The system establishes two Traffic Separation Schemes and two Precautionary Areas, while a companion advisory identifies 8 high collision risk areas in Tianjin waters where merchant-fishing vessel collisions have been a persistent safety threat. Vessels transiting Bohai Bay that register on Marine Inspection's compliance platform can track routing system requirements, VTS reporting obligations, and navigation equipment readiness through digital checklists that bridge officers complete in real time.
1 Jan 2026
Effective Date
Promulgated by China MSA on 25 Nov 2025
5 Years
Validity Period
System remains in force until 31 Dec 2030
4 Components
System Structure
2 TSS + 2 Precautionary Areas
8 Zones
High Collision Risk Areas
Identified in Tianjin waters advisory
Routing System Structure: 4 Components Explained
The Bohai Bay routing system evolved from a trial implementation that began June 1, 2024. The formalised 2026 version retains the same four-component architecture, with coordinates referenced to the National Geodetic Coordinate System 2000 (equivalent to WGS-84 for navigational purposes). All components are charted on MSA Charts No. 1304/22001/22122/23001 and PLA Navy Charts No. 11010/11661/11700/11710/11800.
1
No. 1 Traffic Separation Scheme
Establishes one-way traffic lanes with a separation zone for vessels transiting the central Bohai Bay corridor. Vessels must proceed in the general direction of traffic flow, keep clear of the separation zone, and join or leave the lane at its terminations at the smallest practicable angle. Lane crossing is prohibited unless unavoidable — in which case the vessel must report to Tianjin VTS and confirm no approaching vessels before crossing at approximately 90 degrees.
2
No. 1 Precautionary Area
Located where traffic flows from the No. 1 TSS converge with port approach routes. Vessels must navigate with particular caution in this area. COLREGS Rules 4-19 remain fully in force, though the lane-specific prescriptions of Rule 10(b) and 10(c) are relaxed. Anchoring, fishing, and aquaculture farming are prohibited in all Precautionary Areas.
3
No. 2 Traffic Separation Scheme
A second set of one-way traffic lanes serving vessels on alternative routes to and from the Tianjin/Caofeidian port complex. The No. 2 TSS provides an additional route choice for vessels sailing from Laotieshan Waterway or Changshan Waterway to Tianjin Port, alleviating traffic pressure within the TSS outside Caofeidian Port.
4
No. 2 Precautionary Area
Located within the No. 5 high collision risk area published by Tianjin MSA, making it the most safety-critical zone in the entire routing system. Vessels must exercise heightened vigilance. All COLREGS obligations apply without exemption. The overlap with identified collision risk areas makes this area particularly dangerous during fishing season when merchant-fishing vessel interactions peak.
The 8 High Collision Risk Areas in Tianjin Waters
Alongside the routing system, Tianjin MSA published a list of 8 high collision risk areas where collisions between merchant vessels and fishing vessels have been a persistent problem. These areas reflect a decade of incident data and identify the specific characteristics that make each zone dangerous. Masters and navigating officers transiting Bohai Bay should plot these zones on passage plans and increase bridge manning when approaching them. Fleet operators using Marine Inspection's compliance tracking can pre-load these risk zones into voyage planning checklists so bridge teams receive automated alerts before entering each area.
1
Laotieshan Waterway Approach
Heavy vessel and fishing traffic convergence at Bohai Strait entry; passenger route overlap; approx. 7 collisions in 10 years
2
Changshan Waterway Junction
Intersection of routes from Changshan Waterway with Bohai Bay-bound traffic; limited VTS coverage; multiple collision incidents recorded
3
Chengshantou VTS Boundary
Outside Chengshantou VTS coverage; vessels from routing area transiting to southern Bohai Bay ports; 5 merchant-fishing and 1 merchant-merchant collision in 10 years
4
South-North Main Passage (North Section)
Dense north-south transit traffic with cross-traffic from multiple port approaches; high fishing vessel density; limited AIS shore coverage
5
No. 2 Precautionary Area Overlap
Overlaps with the routing system's No. 2 Precautionary Area; highest concentration of intersecting merchant vessel routes and fishing operations in the entire Bohai Bay system
6
Yantai-Qingdao Junction
Located at jurisdictional boundary of Yantai and Qingdao; fishing vessels from Rushan farm; new offshore wind farm complicating navigation; 3 collisions in 10 years
7
Chaoliandao Anchorage Approach
High anchoring density; long distance from shore creates AIS communication gaps; 3 merchant-fishing and 1 merchant-merchant collision in 10 years
8
South-North Main Passage (Central Section)
Spans Qingdao, Dongjiakou, and Rizhao jurisdictions; shore-based AIS cannot effectively cover; large fishing boats anchored without proper lookout
Navigate Bohai Bay With Digital Compliance
Marine Inspection's voyage compliance checklists pre-load routing system requirements, VTS reporting triggers, and risk area alerts — ensuring bridge teams meet China MSA obligations before entering Bohai Bay waters.
Tianjin VTS Reporting and Navigation Rules
Unlike many traffic separation schemes, the Bohai Bay routing system does not require routine entry/exit reports. However, specific situations trigger mandatory VTS reporting. Understanding these triggers — and having the communication equipment maintained and tested — is essential for avoiding penalties. China MSA enforces violations with increasing rigour, and non-compliance exposes vessels to detention and penalty under Chinese maritime safety law.
Tianjin VTS: Mandatory Reporting Triggers & Navigation Rules
| Requirement |
Details |
Compliance Action |
| Emergency Reporting |
All emergency situations must be reported immediately to Tianjin VTS |
Maintain VHF Ch. 09 and Ch. 16 continuous watch; test equipment before entering routing system waters |
| Overtaking Permission |
Overtaking vessel must obtain consent from the overtaken vessel and report to Tianjin VTS in advance |
Establish VHF contact with both VTS and overtaken vessel; ensure overtaking will not create close-quarters situation |
| Lane Crossing |
Crossing traffic lanes prohibited unless unavoidable; must report to VTS and inform surrounding vessels; confirm no approaching ships before crossing |
Cross at approximately 90 degrees to traffic flow direction; document crossing in deck logbook |
| Lane Entry / Exit Angle |
When entering or leaving traffic lanes, navigate at the smallest practicable angle with the general traffic flow |
Plan approach angle during passage planning; brief OOW on lane entry procedure |
| Prohibited Activities |
Anchoring, fishing, and farming prohibited in Precautionary Areas, traffic lanes, and nearby waters of terminations |
Identify anchoring alternatives outside routing system boundaries during passage planning |
| COLREGS Compliance |
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 apply at all times without exemption |
Bridge team must maintain proper lookout (Rule 5), safe speed (Rule 6), and collision avoidance actions (Rules 7-8) |
Tianjin VTS: Mandatory Reporting Triggers & Navigation Rules
Emergency Reporting
Details: All emergency situations must be reported immediately to Tianjin VTS
Compliance: Maintain VHF Ch. 09 and Ch. 16 continuous watch; test equipment before entering routing system waters
Overtaking Permission
Details: Overtaking vessel must obtain consent from the overtaken vessel and report to Tianjin VTS in advance
Compliance: Establish VHF contact with both VTS and overtaken vessel; ensure overtaking will not create close-quarters situation
Lane Crossing
Details: Crossing traffic lanes prohibited unless unavoidable; must report to VTS and inform surrounding vessels; confirm no approaching ships before crossing
Compliance: Cross at approximately 90 degrees to traffic flow direction; document crossing in deck logbook
Lane Entry / Exit Angle
Details: When entering or leaving traffic lanes, navigate at the smallest practicable angle with the general traffic flow
Compliance: Plan approach angle during passage planning; brief OOW on lane entry procedure
Prohibited Activities
Details: Anchoring, fishing, and farming prohibited in Precautionary Areas, traffic lanes, and nearby waters of terminations
Compliance: Identify anchoring alternatives outside routing system boundaries during passage planning
COLREGS Compliance
Details: International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 apply at all times without exemption
Compliance: Bridge team must maintain proper lookout (Rule 5), safe speed (Rule 6), and collision avoidance actions (Rules 7-8)
Expert Review: Merchant-Fishing Vessel Collision Prevention
Collisions between merchant vessels and fishing vessels represent one of the most serious safety risks in Chinese coastal waters. The 8 high collision risk areas identified by Tianjin MSA reflect a pattern consistent across the entire Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea region, where Shandong MSA separately identified 38 high-risk water areas along the Chinese coast. The common thread is dense fishing activity in areas of heavy commercial traffic, compounded by fishing vessels that frequently operate without AIS, fail to maintain proper lookout, and anchor in shipping lanes without adequate lighting.
The Bohai Bay routing system addresses this by separating traffic flows and establishing clear rules, but the system's effectiveness depends on merchant vessel compliance with reporting requirements and, critically, on bridge teams maintaining enhanced watchkeeping when transiting fishing-dense areas — particularly during the periods immediately following the annual summer fishing ban (typically lifted in September), when fishing vessel density increases dramatically. Marine Inspection's pre-arrival checklist system helps bridge teams systematically verify navigation equipment, VHF communication readiness, and lookout procedures before entering Bohai Bay waters.
Masters should also be aware that China MSA has been increasing enforcement of national flag display requirements, vessel documentation, and pollution prevention compliance during port state inspections at Tianjin and surrounding ports. Book a demonstration to see how Marine Inspection tracks China MSA inspection preparation alongside routing system compliance.
Conclusion
The Bohai Bay Vessel Routing System effective January 1, 2026, represents China MSA's response to escalating collision risk in one of the world's most congested maritime corridors. Vessels calling at Tianjin, Huanghua, and Caofeidian must understand the four-component routing architecture, comply with Tianjin VTS reporting requirements, and plan passages that account for the 8 identified high collision risk areas. With the routing system valid for five years, this is not a temporary measure — it's the new permanent operating environment for Bohai Bay navigation. Marine Inspection's digital compliance platform ensures your fleet meets every requirement: from pre-voyage checklist completion to VTS reporting documentation to post-transit record keeping that demonstrates compliance during China MSA inspections. Start your free trial and bring Bohai Bay routing compliance into your fleet's digital workflow.
China Maritime Compliance — Digitised
From Bohai Bay routing to SOLAS surveys, MARPOL documentation to ISM audits — Marine Inspection provides the digital compliance infrastructure that vessels trading in Chinese waters need to meet China MSA standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Bohai Bay Vessel Routing System take effect and how long is it valid?
The routing system was promulgated by China MSA on November 25, 2025, and took effect on January 1, 2026. It remains valid for five years (until December 31, 2030). The system evolved from a trial implementation that began June 1, 2024. The competent authority is Tianjin MSA, and the Vessel Traffic Service Center of Tianjin MSA (Tianjin VTS) is responsible for vessel traffic management.
Do vessels need to report to Tianjin VTS when entering or leaving the routing system?
No. Vessels are not required to report when entering or departing the routing system area. However, mandatory reporting to Tianjin VTS is required for all emergency situations (immediately), before overtaking another vessel (with consent from the overtaken vessel), and if crossing a traffic lane is unavoidable to avert immediate danger. Vessels must maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channels 09 and 16 at all times within the routing system.
What are the 8 high collision risk areas and why were they identified?
Tianjin MSA published 8 specific water areas where collision incidents between merchant vessels and fishing vessels have been most frequent over the past decade. These areas share common characteristics: dense intersecting traffic, high fishing vessel activity, limited VTS or AIS shore coverage, jurisdictional boundaries reducing coordination, and offshore infrastructure (wind farms, aquaculture) complicating navigation. The most critical is Area No. 5, which overlaps with the routing system's No. 2 Precautionary Area.
What activities are prohibited within the routing system?
Anchoring, fishing, and aquaculture farming are prohibited in the Precautionary Areas, traffic lanes, and nearby waters of their terminations. Crossing traffic lanes is prohibited unless unavoidable (and requires VTS reporting). Any other activities within the routing system area require approval from the maritime safety administration. Vessels in violation are subject to penalties under Chinese maritime safety law.
How does this routing system relate to the 27 Bohai Sea navigation routes?
In December 2023, the MSA offices of Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei, and Shandong jointly published 27 navigation routes within the Bohai Sea and eastern waters. The Bohai Bay central waters routing system operates within this broader framework, specifically addressing the high-density traffic corridor serving Tianjin, Huanghua, and Caofeidian ports. The 27 routes are categorised as bidirectional trunk, bidirectional branch, and recommended routes. The Chengshanjiao-Laotieshan and Chengshanjiao-Changshan waterways serve as the primary entry and exit points to the Bohai Sea.
