RULE 10:
TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES
(a)
This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted
by the Organization [Intl]
and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other
rule.
(b)
A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:
- Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction
of traffic flow for that lane.
- So far as is practicable keep clear of a traffic separation
line or separation zone.
- 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)
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.
(d)
- 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.
- 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.
(e)
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;
- to engage in fishing within a separation zone.
(f)
A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic
separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
(g)
A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a
traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.
(h)
A vessel not using a traffic separating scheme shall avoid
it by as wide a margin as is practicable.
(i)
A vessel engaged
in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following
a traffic lane.
(j)
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.
(k)
A vessel restricted
in her ability to maneuver 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.
(l)
A vessel restricted
in her ability to maneuver 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.
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