Colregs Rule 10: Traffic Separation Schemes PDF

COLREGS RULE 10: TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES (a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes (e) A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel adopted by the Organisation and does not relieve any joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a...

COLREGS RULE 10: TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES (a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes (e) A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel adopted by the Organisation and does not relieve any joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a NO RIGHTS IN TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES (i) in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger; vessel of her obligation under any other Rule. separation zone or cross a separation line except: (b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall: Rule 10 is one of the longest rules and one of the hardest to understand. (i) proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the (ii) to engage in fishing within a separation zone. Always remember the following: (f) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of There is no right of way – a traffic separation lane does not give you (ii) so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic general direction of traffic flow for that lane; right of way over any other vessels. traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular All of the other rules continue to apply within a traffic separation scheme. (iii) normally join or leave a traffic lane at the separation line or separation zone; caution. (g) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring The actions of vessels navigating in and near a traffic separation scheme can be unpredictable. termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its Traffic separation schemes are established in busy areas of difficult navigation. from either side shall do so at as small an angle to terminations. You can expect above-average density of traffic, crossing vessels, fishing (h) A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme the general direction of traffic flow as practicable. (c) A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing vessels and high-speed craft. Study the passage before your watch, be prepared and, if you need assistance, ask for it well in advance. shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable. (i) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede traffic lanes but if obliged to do so shall cross on a Tips for navigating in traffic separation schemes are: heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to Always follow all the other rules. the general direction of traffic flow. the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane. (d) (i) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone (j) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a Keep in your lane. Particular caution is required at the ends of the scheme. when she can safely use the appropriate traffic sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage Avoid VHF calls to other ships – it will only distract them. lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane. (k) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre Beware of fishing vessels – they are allowed to fish in traffic However, vessels of less than 20 metres in length, separation lanes. sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing when engaged in an operation for the maintenance Look out for crossing vessels – they should cross the scheme at right (ii) Notwithstanding sub-paragraph (d) (i), a vessel may use the inshore traffic zone. angles but they may navigate parallel to the scheme for a while to find of safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme an opportunity to cross. is exempted from complying with this Rule to the may use an inshore traffic zone when en route Look out for high-speed craft – especially wide on your beam. extent necessary to carry out the operation. (l) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, If you are not happy, slow down or stop. pilot station or any other place situated within the Be wary at all times. inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger. engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable, within a traffic SUMMARY separation scheme, is exempted from complying You have no additional rights of way in a traffic separation scheme. with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation. The North of England P&I Association Limited, The Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DU, UK Telephone: +44 191 232 5221 Facsimile: +44 191 261 0540 E-Mail: [email protected] www.nepia.com