What rule is a vessel less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of the vessel?

Section 1 — Conduct of Vessels in any Condition of Visibility

Rule 9 : Narrow Channels

Two terms are used throughout the Rule that are not defined. They are “narrow channel” (namesake of the Rule) and “(narrow) fairway.” We must assume that the drafters of the Rules either believed their meanings to be obvious or else were not able to formulate suitable concise definitions.

Rule 9 applies only on waters described by the two terms. What is “narrow” depends on the type of vessel and the circumstances. A “channel” is a natural or dredged lane restricted on either side by shallow water; it is often marked by buoys. A “fairway” is generally in open water, and the water on either side is not much shallower than within the fairway. Fairways are used to route vessels away from natural hazards, oil platforms, mines, or smaller vessels. Fairways should be differentiated from the lanes in traffic separation schemes; vessels in the latter should follow Rule 10 rather than Rule 9.

a. A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.

No ambiguity in this part of the Rule, it is a general advice. As safe and practicable leaves it to the watch keeping officer to take the ultimate decision to deviate from this Rule. If due to the draft or width of the ship as well as the contour of the bottom of the channel it is not safe or is not practicable to comply with this Rule then the watch keeper has his common sense to guide him, keeping always safety in mind. 

b. A vessel of less than 20meters 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.

Related Article:   Rule 7 - Risk of collision

This again is a guideline for small vessels as well as for sailing crafts to keep away from ships that can safely navigate only within the narrow channel or fairway, since the small vessels and the sailing craft can always use the shallower part of the channel they should not impede the passage of a large ship. 

c. A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.

Also a guideline, again please note it is not a fishing vessel but a fishing vessel engaged in the actual task of fishing, so no fishing in the 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 signals prescribed in rule 34 (d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.

Crossing vessels are warned not to cross the channel or fairway if this crossing should come in the way of a vessel proceeding along the channel who cannot deviate due to the depth or width restriction of the channel. 

Sound signals have been mentioned which may be used if in any doubt about the intention of either vessel. 

It does say that a vessel will not cross a channel or fairway – she can do so as long as she does not impede the passage of a ship following the channel. 

e.

(i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passage, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate signal prescribed in rule 34 c (i). The vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed in rule 34 c (ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she may sound the signals prescribed in rule 34 d.

Related Article:   Rule 15 - Crossing situation

In a narrow channel or fairway overtaking may prove to be difficult, but it may be necessary for some reason, ship behind gets a priority berthing etc. In this case, if the vessel behind wants to overtake then she has to sound the signal – Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast to mean “I intend to overtake you on your starboard side”;

Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts to mean “I intend to overtake you on your port side”.

This is a request signal and has to be answered by the ship ahead either in the affirmative by sounding –One prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, and the ship ahead should go to one side of the channel and allow sea room for the other ship to overtake.

Only once the confirmation has been received can the ship behind take action. If the answer was positive and overtaking has been permitted then she should first watch the other ship and when the passage has been widened for her she should overtake. 

If the ship ahead is in any doubt about the sound signal that she heard or at a later stage while overtaking is in progress and she feels that a close quarter situation may develop then she may sound the signal:-  at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. 

(ii) This rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under rule 13.

Okay so the ship ahead has agreed to be overtaken, but the responsibility and obligation as per Rule 13 still remains on the ship behind, she cannot find fault with the ship ahead if some mishap occurs. This is the reason that she has to make sure that after answering in the positive the ship ahead has made adequate sea room available for her to overtake. Otherwise, even if the sound signal is positive she should not overtake, if in doubt she may sound the signal again. 

Related Article:   Rule 33 - Equipment for sound signals

f. The vessel nearing a bend or an area of a 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.

Almost like a car sounds a car horn when nearing a crossing, it alerts traffic on the blind side of the bend that a ship is about to cross. This is especially relevant in channels and rivers and fairways where up and down traffic are numerous. 

g. Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

A general advice, circumstances of the case admit means as far as possible she should not anchor, but if due to some extraordinary circumstances she has to anchor then she should have to warn all vessels and take special care. 

Rules in this section apply in any condition of visibility.

Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

1. By all vessels:

1. the state of visibility;

2. the traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels;

3. the manoeuvrability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions;

4. at night the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from backscatter of her own lights;

5. the state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;

6. the draught in relation to the available depth of water.

2. Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:

1. the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment;

2. any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;

3. the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference;

4. the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;

5. the number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar;

6. the more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity.

1. Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions to determine if risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such risk shall be deemed to exist.

2. Proper use shall be made of radar equipment if fitted and operational, including long-range scanning to obtain early warning of risk of collision and radar plotting or equivalent systematic observation of detected objects.

3. Assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information.

4. In determining if risk of collision exists the following considerations shall be among those taken into account:

1. such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change;

2. such risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range.

1. Any action to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

2. Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided.

3. If there is sufficient sea-room, alteration of course alone may be the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation provided that it is made in good time, is substantial and does not result in another close-quarters situation.

4. Action taken to avoid collision with another vessel shall be such as to result in passing at a safe distance. The effectiveness of the action shall be carefully checked until the other vessel is finally past and clear.

5. If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.

6. 1. A vessel which, by any of these Rules, is required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel shall, when required by the circumstances of the case, take early action to allow sufficient sea-room for the safe passage of the other vessel.

   2. A vessel required not to impede the passage or safe passage of another vessel is not relieved of this obligation if approaching the other vessel so as to involve risk of collision and shall, when taking action, have full regard to the action which may be required by the Rules of this part.

   3. A vessel the passage of which is not to be impeded remains fully obliged to comply with the Rules of this part when the two vessels are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision.

1. A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.

2. A vessel of less than 20 m 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.

3. A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.

4. 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.

1. In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only 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 in Rule 34(c)(ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d).

2. This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under Rule 13.

6. A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a 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).

7. Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

1. This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule.

2. A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:

1. proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane;

2. so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone;

3. 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.

3. A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.

1. A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. However, vessels of less than 20 m in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.

2. 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.

5. A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except:

1. in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger;

2. to engage in fishing within a separation zone.

6. A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.

7. A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.

8. A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.

9. A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.

10. A vessel of less than 20 m in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.

11. A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.

12. A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable, within a traffic separation scheme, is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.