Seaman's Handbook
PART B. Steering and Sailing Rules : Traffic Separation Schemes
(a) This rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the organisation and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other Rule:(b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:- proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction
of traffic flow for that
lane; - so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone;
- Normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of
the lane, but when joining or
leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic
flow as practicable.
- Inshore traffic zones shall not normally be used by through
traffic which can safely use
the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However,
vessels of less than 20m in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may
under all circumstances use inshore traffic zones; - Notwithstanding subparagraph (d) (i), a vessel may use an
inshore traffic zone when
en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place
situated within the inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger.
normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except:
- In cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;
- to engage in fishing within the separation zone.