Page 93 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

lane a vessel engaged in fishing is not permitted to proceed in the
opposite direction to the general direction of traffic flow (see page 80).
The general direction of traffic flow within a traffic lane is
indicated by arrows on the charts which are usually staggered so as
to avoid the suggestion of a preferred track (see page 71). This infor-
mation may also be given in the IMO publication Ships’ Routeing.
A vessel which proceeds in the wrong direction in a traffic lane
considerably increases the risk of collision and is likely to be found
seriously at fault if a collision should occur. Vessels which violate
Rule 10 may also be reported to their respective governments and
prosecutions may ensue.
A vessel proceeding along a traffic lane in the direction of flow is
required to keep clear of a zone or line separating traffic proceeding
in opposite directions. As the boundaries of traffic lanes are not usu-
ally marked by buoys and it is not always possible to determine posi-
tion in a lane with a high degree of accuracy there is a danger that a
vessel which sets a course near the edge of a lane will stray into the
separation zone or the traffic lane designated for traffic proceeding in
the opposite direction. This requirement is intended to give greater
effect to the separation of opposing streams of traffic.
It is also important that a vessel proceeding along a traffic lane
should keep clear of the outer limit which lies on her starboard side,
particularly if this line separates the lane from an inshore zone which is
likely to contain traffic moving in the opposite direction. On the edge of
the lane two power-driven vesseIs meeting on reciprocal courses would
each be required to alter course to starboard by Rule 14. Such actions
may cause both vessels to be involved in further meeting situations
making it difficult for them to return to their correct lane or zone.
Paragraph (b)(iii) was amended in 1981 so that the requirement
will apply to vessels joining or leaving a lane from either side. The
amendment makes it clear that a vessel which crosses one traffic lane
before joining, or after leaving, the other one is expected to join, or
leave, at a small angle to the direction of traffic flow.

Crossing trafic lanes

A vessel must avoid crossing lanes, so far as practicable. In some
areas covered by a traffic separation scheme, such as the Dover Strait,
it is not possible for ferries and other vessels to avoid crossing the
lanes without making a considerable detour so there is an appreciable

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