COLREGS RULE 10 - Traffic separation schemes | COLLISION REGULATIONS | MERCHANT NAVY KNOWLEDGE

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.
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(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.
(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) 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 m 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 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:
(i) in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;
(ii) 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 separation 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 metres 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 manœuvre 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 manœuvre 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.



Ships’ routeing
The separation of opposing streams of traffic by means of traffic separation schemes
is one of several routeing measures adopted by IMO. The IMO’s responsibility for
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ships’ routing is founded in the International Convention for Safety Of Life At Sea
(SOLAS), 1974, as amended, Chapter V/Regulation 10, which recognizes the IMO as
the only international body for establishing on an international level ships’ routeing
systems. The purpose of ships’ routeing is to improve the safety of navigation in
converging areas and in areas where the density of traffic is great or where the
freedom of movement of shipping is inhibited by restricted sea-room, the existence of
obstructions to navigation, limited depths or unfavourable meteorological conditions.
The criteria and principles applicable to all routeing measures are set out in the
General Provisions on Ships’ Routeing, which form part of IMO Resolution A 572(14)
as amended. Routeing schemes and the General Provisions on Ships’ Routeing are
kept under continuous review by IMO and amendments are made when required.
The use of routeing systems
The following principles on the use of routeing systems are laid down in the IMO
General Provisions on Ships’ Routeing:
1. Unless stated otherwise, routeing systems are recommended for use by all ships
and may be made mandatory for all ships, certain categories of ships or ships
carrying certain cargoes.
2. Routeing systems are intended for use by day and by night in all weathers, in icefree waters or under light ice conditions where no extraordinary manœuvres or
assistance by ice-breaker(s) are required.