Traffic Separation Schemes & Narrow Channels

Rule 9 — Narrow channels

Keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on your starboard side as is safe and practicable.

Vessels under 20 m, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within the channel.

Do not cross a narrow channel if such crossing impedes a vessel which can safely navigate only within that channel.

Rule 10 — Traffic separation schemes

Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane.

So far as practicable keep clear of a separation line or zone.

Normally join or leave a lane at the termination of the lane; when joining or leaving from the side, do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.

A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes; if obliged to cross, she shall do so on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.

Rule 10 does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule — Rules 15/16/17 still apply inside a TSS.