22.10 Traffic separation schemes

(1) This rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the International Maritime Organization but does not relieve any vessel of its obligations under any other rule in this Part.

(2) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme must—

(a) proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane; and

(b) so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone; and

(c) normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane; and

(d) when joining or leaving a traffic lane from either side, do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic as practicable.

(3) So far as practicable, a vessel must avoid crossing traffic lanes. If obliged to do so it must cross on a heading as close as practicable to right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.

(4) Subject to rule 22.10(5), a vessel must not use an inshore traffic zone when it can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme.

(5) A vessel may use the inshore traffic zone if it is—

(a) less than 20 metres in length; or

(b) a sailing vessel; or

(c) engaged in fishing; or

(d) en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone; or

(e) avoiding immediate danger.

(6) Subject to rule 22.10(7), a vessel that is not crossing, joining, or leaving a lane must not normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line.

(7) A vessel may cross a separation line or enter a separation zone—

(a) in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger; or

(b) to engage in fishing within the separation zone.

(8) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation schemes must do so with particular caution.

(9) A vessel must as far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.

(10) A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme must avoid it by as wide a margin as practicable.

(11) A vessel engaged in fishing must not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.

(12) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel must not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.

(13) The following vessels are exempted from carrying out the requirements of this rule to the extent necessary to carry out their operations—

(a) a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of navigational safety in a traffic separation scheme; and

(b) a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing, or picking up of a submarine cable within a traffic separation scheme.