Page 97 - Collision Avoidance Rules Guide

Inshore trafic zones

Inshore traffic zones have been established alongside some traffic
separation schemes with the intention of keeping coastal shipping
away from traffic passing through the adjacent traffic lanes. Such
zones may be relatively narrow and could become dangerous if
extensively used by traffic proceeding in opposite directions.
A vessel proceeding en route to or from a port, offshore installa-
tion or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the
inshore traffic zone is permitted to use the zone. An inshore traffic
zone may also be used by vessels less than 20 metres in length, sail-
ing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing.
The use of traffic separation schemes is not mandatory. Vessels
are, of course, permitted to proceed in either direction in open water
outside the scheme as an alternative to passing through the traffic
lanes provided the outer limit is avoided by a wide margin in accord-
ance with Rule 10(h).
In straits or channels where inshore zones have been established
on both sides of a traffic separation scheme so that through traffic
must either use the scheme or pass through the inshore zones power-
driven vessels of over 20 metres in length, not calling at any place
within the zones, must pass through the appropriate traffic lane
unless there are special circumstances, such as severe weather

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