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11
12 Despite the assurances from the littoral States concerned, it is evident, from reports from ships and other reliable sources, that the availability of aids to navigation in the Malacca Strait cannot be fully relied upon. Notices to Mariners, pilot publications and lists of radio signals all contain warnings regarding the reliability of such aids in the Malacca Strait.
13 The Group was made aware of the perception of the States bordering the Malacca Strait that an unfair burden is being placed upon their resources requiring them to maintain aids to navigation for shipping, which, in the main part, is not calling at their ports. The Group is of the view that this attitude, combined with limited facilities and expertise, does not produce the efficient aid provision and maintenance régime, which is required in the Strait given its strategic importance and the volume of traffic using it.
14 The Group considered the necessity and practicality of extending the present traffic separation schemes or the introduction of additional schemes, particularly in the area around the Fair Channel Bank and agreed there could be merit in the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation considering the introduction of additional TSSs in selected areas within the Strait, where the density and converging nature of traffic and other navigational hazards would so warrant, as well as the possible extension of existing TSSS and the establishment of a deep-water route.
15
The Group emphasizes the need for proper training of both shipboard and shore-based (VTS operators and staff manning radio stations, SAR units, pilot stations, etc.) personnel making use of the Strait of Malacca area in their respective areas of activity.
W/9181e
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