Page 89 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent neces-
sary 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 purpose of ships’ routeing is to improve the safety of navi-
gation 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 have
been 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 muteing 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, cer-
tain categories of ships or ships carrying certain cargoes.
2. Routeing systems are intended for use by day and by night in all
weathers, in ice-free waters or under light ice conditions where
no extraordinary manceuvres or assistance by ice-breaker( s) are
required.
3. Bearing in mind the need for adequate under-keel clearance, a
decision to use a routeing system must take into account the
charted depth, the possibility of changes in the sea-bed since the
time of the last survey, and the effects of meteorological and
tidal conditions on water depths.
4. A ship navigating in or near a traffic separation scheme adopted
by IMO shall in particular comply with Rule 10 of the 1972
International Collision Regulations to minimise the development
of risk of collision with another ship. The other rules of the 1972
Collision Regulations apply in all respects, and particularly the
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