Regulation issued to support the operational use of channels

As part of the N2000 fairway and nautical chart reform, the principles governing the use of channels have been clarified and a new uniform practice has been established to support the safe, efficient and smooth use of channels. Since the declared design draught of a channel is not an absolute limit, ships may, in certain circumstances, use a channel at a draught exceeding the declared design draught, provided that sufficient safety can be ensured under the prevailing conditions. To support masters in assessing and planning such channel use, the authorities have developed dedicated tools. The procedure is based on the notification requirements laid down in the Vessel Traffic Service Act (623/2005). The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom has now issued a more detailed Regulation on the procedure, which entered into force on 1 September 2026.