Lesson 28: Narrow Channels.....

Rule 9, Narrow Channels

(a) International – A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. Inland –
(a)(i) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. (ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(i) and Rule 14(a), a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels or fairways on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, and proceeding downbound with a following-current shall have the right of way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by Rule 34(a)(i), as appropriate. The vessel proceeding upbound against the current shall hold as necessary to permit safe passage.
(b) International and Inland – A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel.
(c) International and Inland – A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.
(d) International and Inland – A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can only safely navigate only within that channel or fairway. The latter vessel MAY (International only) or SHALL (Inland only) use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
(e) International – (i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only if the VESSEL to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake SHALL indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal in Rule 34(c)(i). The VESSEL to be overtaken SHALL, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she MAY sound the signals prescribed in 34(d). (ii) This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under Rule 13 (Overtaking).
Inland – (i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking, the POWER DRIVEN vessel intending to overtake another POWER-DRIVEN vessel SHALL indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c) and take steps to permit safe passing. The POWER-DRIVEN vessel being overtaken, if in agreement, SHALL sound the same signal prescribed in Rule 34(c) and MAY, if specifically agreed to take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she shall sound the danger signal prescribed in Rule 34(d). (ii) This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under Rule 13 (Overtaking).
(f) International and Inland - A vessel nearing a bend or area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e).
(g) International only ANY vessel SHALL or Inland only EVERY vessel SHALL, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

Comment:

• The term “narrow channel” is not easily defined. A narrow channel need not be of any particular length and does not necessarily terminate at the last of the buoys or other marks indicating the channel. It has been held by the courts that it does not apply to a recommended route between two buoys where vessels could have gone outside them in safety.
• Stay on the starboard side of the channel.
• Sailing, fishing, and vessels less than 20 meters must not impede.
• Only instance in the International Rules requiring advise and consent.
• Blind bends must be navigated with particular alertness and caution regardless of whether an approaching vessel is heard. A power-driven vessel must not “cut the corner” and get on the wrong side of the fairway.
• In the case of a long blind bend it would be prudent when approaching within a half a mile of the start of the bend to give the prescribed sound signal, that is, one prolonged blast on the whistle.


Rule 10, Traffic Separation Schemes

(a) International and Inland – This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other Rule.
(b) International and Inland – A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall: (i) Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane. (ii) So far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone. (iii) Normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.
(c) International and Inland – A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so shall crossing on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
(d) International and Inland – (i) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However, vessels of less than 20 meters in length, sailing vessels, and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone. (ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(i), a vessel may use an inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station, or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone.
(e) International and Inland – A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except: (i) In cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger; or. (ii) To engage in fishing within the separation zone.
(f) International and Inland – A vessel navigating in areas near the termination of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
(g) International and Inland – A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its termination.
(h) International and Inland – A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.
(i) International and Inland – A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.
(j) International and Inland – A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.