Page 84 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

stated that vessels engaged in fishing did not have the right to obstruct
a fairway used by other vessels. Rule 9(c) requires that the passage of
other vessels navigating within the channel should not be impeded. It
implies that fishing is permitted when the channel is not being used.
Rule 9(c) has a wider application than Rule 9(b). It is not only
vessels which can only navigate within the channel which must not be
impeded. Even sailing vessels and small power-driven vessels must be
allowed to pass along or across the channel or fairway. Fishing ves-
sels are therefore only permitted to fish in a channel or fairway when
they are able to get an early indication of the approach of other vessels
which will enable them to clear the passage in sufficient time (see also
pages 58-9).

(d) Crossing a narrow channel

This is an important paragraph which was not included in the 1960
Regulations. Vessels must not cross a narrow channel or fairway if by
doing so they impede the passage of any other vessel which can
safely navigate only within the channel. However, this does not mean
that the Crossing Rule does not apply in narrow channels. A power-
driven vessel which can safely navigate outside the channel must
keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel which is crossing the
channel and is approaching from her starboard side so as to involve
risk of collision. In a crossing situation, vessels should if necessary
reduce speed in compliance with Rule 8(e) (see also page 54).
The main purpose of Rule 9(d) is to reduce the number of dangerous
crossings in narrow channels or fairways, often caused by relatively
small vessels which could usually avoid the danger by waiting until
the passage is clear or by a better anticipation of the prevailing traf-
fic situation. The application of Rule 8(f) is also relevant in this case
(see pages 58-60).
If a vessel restricted to the channel is in doubt of the intentions of
a vessel crossing the sound signal comprising of at least five short
blasts should be given in compliance with Rule 34(d).

Vessels entering a channel
Rule 9 does not deal specifically with the case of a vessel entering a
channel with the intention of proceeding along it but Rule 2(a) would
probably apply in such circumstances as the following extracts from
judgments indicate:

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