International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea

Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules

Rule 8 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Action to avoid a collision

a) Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in accordance with the
Rules of this Part and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be
positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of
good seamanship.

b) Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the

circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to
another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small
alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided.

c) If there is sufficient sea-room, alteration of course alone may be the most

effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made
in good time, is substantial and does not result in another close-quarters
situation.
1
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 8 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Action to avoid a collision

d) Action taken to avoid a collision with another vessel shall be such as to

result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be
carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

e) If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a

vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing
her means of propulsion.

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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 8 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Action to avoid a collision

f)
i. A vessel which, by any of these Rules, is required not to impede the
passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the
circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea-
room for the safe passage of the other vessel.
ii. A vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another
vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the other vessel
so as to involve risk of collision and shall, when taking action, have
full regard to the action which may be required by the Rules of this
Part.
iii. A vessel, the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully
obliged to comply with the Rules of this part when the two vessels are
approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision.

3
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 8 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Action to avoid a collision - COMMENTS

The action should be positive so that the action results in the reduction of
the risk of collision, not to aggravate it.
The action should be made in ample time, implies that the assessment of risk
of collision should be made well in time by observing the situation for quite
some time and from a great distance and at regular intervals of time.
Assessment and the time of the action should be made accordingly.
Good seamanship generally means skill in and knowledge of the work of
navigating, maintaining, and operating a vessel. A good seamanship is the
resultant behavior that can be expected from an average good masters or
officer. It should be noted that a good seaman does not mean the
extraordinary ability or an unusually high degree of care and caution, but a
behavior of ordinary, average good seaman.

4
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 8 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Action to avoid a collision - COMMENTS

Small changes of course and/or speed are not easily noticeable to other
vessels since, the aspect during day time and the navigation light aspect at
night may not appreciably differ from what it was before the small
alteration of course. In this situation, the other vessel would be in doubt as
to whether you have taken action or not.
Generally, speed alteration is rather difficult to observe as such is difficult
to assess the situation, because, the apparent track remains the same. Thus,
a course alteration is much more effective in diffusing a dangerous situation
and also is readily apparent to the other vessel – provided however, that the
alteration can be observed very easily by the other vessel.
Vessels which have been required to keep out of the way of other vessels
may not hinder the passage of another vessel. These vessels should
therefore take early action to keep clear, but if they fail then they are
obliged to follow these Rules to avoid a close quarter situation. The stand-
on vessel still has to follow these Rules irrespective of whether the other
vessel takes action or not. Risk of collision at any costs has to be avoided. 5
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 8 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Action to avoid a collision - COMMENTS

The action should be taken in ample time, and not to wait that the situation
becomes worse. The action taken in ample time can be further assessed and
if such action does not result in passing at a safe distance reassessment may
be done still in time. All actions should diffuse the dangerous situation and
result in passing at a safe distance.
Slacken of speed generally happen in waters where ships are going in and
out of the harbour limits or in areas where vessels have their engine ready
for immediate manoeuvring.
In those areas, where the traffic density is usually increased, it is better to
either stop and watch the situation as it develops or even if required take all
way off her tracks or by reversing her means of propulsion and then
assessing the situation and move cautiously. .

6
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow channels - definition

„NARROW CHANNELS”
Waters’ areas, are frequented by sea vessels, on which the navigation is
difficult (limited) due to the impossibility of choosing the rode and the need
to comply with rules of traffic safety (usually starboard-side), determined based on
local conditions and customs.
The existence or absence navigation markings are irrelevant.

The term "narrow channels" includes the following waters’ areas:

rivers, cannels, fjords, port entrances, marked fairways on which it is safe to
navigate only within the limited line of these tracks, demining fairways, etc.

The term "narrow channels" not includes:

waters marked only on one side with buoy and on the other side extending
without restrictions, as well as recommended sea ways (routes) between
two navigation marks if vessels can safely pass outsaid them.
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow channels - definition

Outer limit of fairway

Outer limit of narrow channel

Fairway

Narrow channel

Narrow channel & fairway

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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow channels

a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep
as near to the outer limit or the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard
side as is safe and practicable.

b) A vessel of less than 20 m in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the
passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel
or fairway.

c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel
navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.

d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel of fairway if such crossing

impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such
channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use the sound signal prescribed in
Rule 34 (d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
9
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow channels - definition

e)
i. In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can only take place 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 prescribed 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 Rule 34 (d).
ii. This rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under
Rule 13.

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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow channels - definition

f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of 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) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a
narrow channel.

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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow chanels - COMMENTS

In accordance with Rule 9 (a) (Narrow channels ), a vessel (vessel A and vessel
B) proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as
near to the outer limit or the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side
as is safe and practicable.
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow chanels - COMMENTS

In accordance with Rule 9 (b) (Narrow channels ), a vessel of less than 20 m in

length (vessel A) shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely
navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway (vessel B).
13
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow chanels - COMMENTS

In accordance with Rule 9 (b) (Narrow channels ), a sailing vessel (vessel A)

shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within
a narrow channel or fairway (vessel B).
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow chanels - COMMENTS

In accordance with Rule 9 (d) (Narrow channels), a vessel (vessel A) shall not
cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a
vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway (vessel
B).
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow chanels - COMMENTS

In accordance with Rule 9 (c) (Narrow channels ), a vessel engaged in fishing

(vessel A) shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a
narrow channel or fairway (vessel B).
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow chanels - COMMENTS

In accordance with Rule 9 (e)(i) (Narrow channels ), in a narrow channel or

fairway when overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken
(vessel B) has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to
overtake (vessel A) shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate
signal prescribed in Rule 34 (c)(i) (Manoeuvring and warning signals).
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow chanels - COMMENTS

In accordance with Rule 9 (f) (Narrow channels ), a vessel (Vessel A and Vessel
B) nearing a bend or an 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) (Manoeuvring and warning signals).
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Narrow chanels - COMMENTS

In accordance with Rule 9 (g) (Narrow channels ), any vessel shall, if the
circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

19
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part D - Sound and light signals
Rule 34

20
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE SHIP MOVEMENT SEPARATION

Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) creates to increasing the safety of
navigation on water areas where the shipping routes concentrate, there is a lot
of ship traffic and the freedom to maneuver is restricted by the limited wide of
the area and the existence of navigational obstacles or limited by water depth
or adverse hydro-meteorological conditions.
Depending on the type and the number of common hazards, this object is
achieved by:
• demarcation of opposite ship traffic flows to eliminate the head-on or
close to the head-on situation of ships,
• organizing the crossing of traffic lanes to reduce the risk of collisions of
ships crossing traffic lanes with vessels navigating within direction
compatible of traffic flows,
• such designation of traffic lanes that all or only certain types of ships
avoid passage to who their entry can be dangerous. 21
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

1 - separation zone
2 - separation line
3 - outer limit of traffic lane
4 - direction of traffic flow for the lane
5 - inshore traffic zone

Traffic separation scheme in a straits 22

 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

1 - separation zone
2 - outer limit of traffic lane
3 - direction of traffic flow for the lane
4 - inshore traffic zone

Traffic separation scheme at the headland (cape)

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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organisation

and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other Rule.

Organization means International Maritime Organization.

In a traffic separation scheme all vessels are obliged to apply rules from any other Part
(Part A - General, Part B - Steering and sailing rules, Part C - Lights and shapes, Part D -
Sound and lights signal, Part E - Exemptions).
Rules that are particularly applied in traffic separation schemes are: Rule 1 , Rule 2 , Rule
3, Rule 4 , Rule 5 , Rule 6 , Rule 7, Rule 8 , Rule 11 , Rule 12 , Rule 13 , Rule 15, Rule 16 ,
Rule 17 , Rule 18 , Rule 19, Rule 34, Rule 35 and Rule 36.
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

b) 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.

25
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (b)(i) (Traffic separation schemes), a vessel using a traffic
separation scheme shall proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of
traffic flow for that lane.
In accordance with Rule 10 (b)(ii) (Traffic separation schemes), a vessel using a traffic
separation scheme shall so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or
separation zone. 26
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (b)(iii) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel (vessel A) using a
traffic separation scheme shall normally join a traffic lane at the termination of the lane.
In accordance with Rule 10 (b)(iii) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel (vessel B) using a
traffic separation scheme when joining from either side shall do so at as small an angle to
the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.
27
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (b)(iii) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel (vessel A) using a
traffic separation scheme shall normally leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane.
In accordance with Rule 10 (b)(iii) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel (vessel B) using a
traffic separation scheme when leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to
the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

c) A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if

obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right
angles to the general direction of traffic flow.

In accordance with Rule 10 (a) (Traffic Separation Schemes), when vessel crossing traffic
lanes in accordance with Rule 10 (Traffic separation scheme) and risk of collision with
other vessel exists, vessels are not relieved of their obligation under any other rule.
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

d)
(i) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zones when she can safely use
the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation
scheme. However, vessels of less than 20 m in length, sailing vessels
and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zones;
(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, or to avoid immediate danger;

30
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (d)(i) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel shall not use an
inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent
traffic separation scheme.

31
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (d)(i) (Traffic separation scheme), vessels of less than 20 m in
length (A), sailing vessels (B) and vessels engaged in fishing (C) may use the inshore traffic
zone.

32
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (d)(ii)(Traffic separation scheme), 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, or to avoid immediate danger.

33
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

d) 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;
(ii) to engage in fishing within a separation zone.

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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (e)(i) (Traffic separation scheme), 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 in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger.

35
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (e)(ii) (Traffic separation scheme), 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 to engage in fishing within a separation zone.

36
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

f) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation

schemes shall do so with particular caution.

In accordance with Rule 10 (f) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel navigating in areas near
the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

g) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation

scheme or in areas near its terminations.

In accordance with Rule 10 (g) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel shall so far as
practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.
38
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

h) A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme shall avoid it by as wide a

margin as is practicable.

In accordance with Rule 10 (h) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel not using a traffic
separation scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

i) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel
following a traffic lane.

In accordance with Rule 10 (i) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel engaged in fishing shall
not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

j) A vessel of less than 20 m in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the
safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.

In accordance with Rule 10 (j) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel of less than 20 m in
length (vessel C) shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a
traffic lane.
In accordance with Rule 10 (j) (Traffic separation scheme), a sailing vessel (vessel D) shall
not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane. 41
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

k) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an

operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic separation
scheme is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary
to carry out the operation.

42
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (k) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel restricted in her ability
to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a
traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with Rule 10 (Traffic separation
scheme) to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.

43
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

l) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an

operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable,
within a traffic separation scheme, is exempted from complying with this
Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.

44
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Traffic separation schemes

In accordance with Rule 10 (l) (Traffic separation scheme), a vessel restricted in her ability
to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a
submarine cable, within a traffic separation scheme, is exempted from complying with Rule
10 (Traffic separation scheme) to the extent necessary to carry out the operation. .

45
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Behavior of ships in "traffic separation schemes"

Requires:
• proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic
flow for that lane,
• so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation
zone,
• join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane (when joining or
leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general
direction),
• use the inshore traffic zones by vessels of less than 20 m in length, sailing
vessels and vessels engaged in fishing,
• a vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation
schemes does so with particular caution.

46
 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Behavior of ships in "traffic separation schemes"

Allows:
• to cross traffic lanes on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to
the general direction of traffic flow,
• other vessels 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, or to avoid immediate danger,
• a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in:
 an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic
separation scheme,
 an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine
cable, within a traffic separation scheme,
is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to
carry out the operation.
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 International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 10 Section I. Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Behavior of ships in "traffic separation schemes"

Forbids:
• vessels of less than 20 m in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in
fishing not to impede the safe passage of a vessel following a traffic lane,
• not enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except crossing or
joining or leaving a lane, in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger
or to engage in fishing,
• anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations,
• to avoid using a traffic separation scheme by vessel not shall to use it.

48