Rules of the Road · Narrow Channels & TSS
A vessel less than 20 meters or a sailing vessel in a TSS:
- AIs exempt from the traffic separation rules and may navigate freely within the scheme
- BShall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane✓ Correct
- CMust use the inshore traffic zone if one is provided
- DMust sound one prolonged blast every 2 minutes while transiting the TSS
Explanation
Rule 10(j) places an explicit duty on vessels under 20 meters and sailing vessels not to impede power-driven vessels following a traffic lane. This does not exempt them from the TSS rules — they must still comply — but they additionally must not get in the way of lane-following power vessels.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 10(j)
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