(a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes
adopted by the Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her
obligation under any other rule.
(b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme
shall:
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(i) proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in
the general direction of traffic flow for that lane;
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(ii) so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic
separation line or separation zone;
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(iii) 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.
(c) 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.
(d)
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(i) 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 metres in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing
may use the inshore traffic zone.
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(ii) 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.
(e) 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:
(f) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations
of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
(g) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid
anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations.
(h) A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme
shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.
(i) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede
the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.
(j) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length
or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven
vessel following a traffic lane.
(k) 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.
(l) 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.