Some results are here described of research carried out in the Netherlands with regard to marine traffic problems on the Dutch part of the continental shelf with emphasis on the preliminary results of the ‘Nautical Questionnaire North Sea’.

The North Sea is a busy and interesting area, often presenting a challenge to the professional and amateur mariner, and to government bodies who have to see that people operating there do so in a responsible and safe manner. Figs 1 and 2 give an impression of the various types of activities on the Dutch continental shelf and of the collision and grounding positions of vessels in the North Sea over the period 1973–7. To reconcile the claims of all operations has become increasingly difficult as offshore activities have multiplied.