Seaman's Handbook
PART B. Steering and Sailing Rules : Narrow Channels
(a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to
the outer limit or the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and
practicable.(b) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage
of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.(c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating
within a narrow channel or fairway.(d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage
of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel
may use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34 (d) if in doubt as to the intention of the
crossing vessel.(e)
- In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can only take
place if the vessel to be
overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending
to overtake shall
indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule
34 (c) (i). The
vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal
prescribed by
Rule 34 (c) (ii) and take
steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she may sound the
signals prescribed in Rule
34 (d);
- This rule does not relieve the overtaking boat of her obligation
under Rule 13.
(f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may
be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution
and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34 (e).(g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow
channel.
