Page 80 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

(b) A vessel of less than 20 metres 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 or fairway if such
crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely
navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter ves-
sel may use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) if in
doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
(e) (i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can
take place only 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 appro-
priate 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.
(0 A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or
fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an interven-
ing 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.

COMMENT:
Narrow channels
The term ‘narrow channel’ is not easily defined. In deciding whether
a particular stretch of water is or is not a narrow channel the Courts
take into account the evidence as to the way in which seamen usually
navigate the locality and the advice given by the Elder Brethren.
A narrow channel need not be of any particular length and does not
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