Rules of the Road · Narrow Channels & TSS
Under Rule 9(f), a vessel approaching a bend or an area of a channel where other vessels may be obscured shall:
- AStop engines and navigate with extreme caution
- BSound five short blasts to alert approaching traffic
- CNavigate with particular alertness and caution and sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e)✓ Correct
- DReduce to bare steerageway and post a bow lookout
Explanation
Rule 9(f) requires particular alertness and caution when approaching a channel bend with obscured visibility, and requires sounding the signal prescribed in Rule 34(e) — one prolonged blast. Rule 34(e) prescribes the signal and Rule 9(f) mandates its use at bends. Five short blasts is the danger/doubt signal, not the bend signal.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 9(f)
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