|
RULE 9
NARROW CHANNELS
(a)
(i) [Inld] 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.
(ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(i) and Rule
14(a), a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels
or fairways on the Great Lakes, Western
Rivers, or waters specified
by the Secretary, and proceeding downbound with a following
current shall have the right-of-way
over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage,
and shall initiate the maneuvering signals prescribed by Rule 34(a)(i),
as appropriate. The vessel proceeding upbound against the
current shall hold as necessary to permit safe passing. [Inld]
(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters
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.
(c) A vessel engaged
in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel
navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.
(d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow
passage 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.
(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 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). |
(i) In a narrow channel
or fairway when overtaking, the power-driven vessel intending
to overtake another power-driven vessel shall indicate her
intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed
in Rule 34(c) and take steps to permit safe passing.
The power-driven vessel being overtaken, if in agreement,
shall sound the same signal and may, if specifically agreed
to take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt,
she shall sound the danger signal prescribed in Rule 34(d). |
(ii)
This rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation
under Rule 13.
(f) 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).
(g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances
of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.
|
