STEP CHANGE FOR SAFETY GLOBAL SHARING DEC 2013 - SAFE NAVIGATION | Page 47

Authorised User (see Terms and Conditions): Member of North of England P&I Association

Rule 10: Traffic separation schemes
(a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and
does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other Rule.
(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)  far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone;
so
(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) 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) (i)  vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use
A
the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme.
However, vessels of less than 20 metres in length, sailing vessels and
vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.
(ii) 
Notwithstanding sub-paragraph (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 situat Y