Rule 9 Narrow Channels

Question 1

9a - What side shall a vessel keep?

Answer 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.

Question 2

9b - A PDV < 20m or a Sailing vessel wont do what?

Answer 2

A PDV < 20m or a Sailing vessel won’t impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

Question 3

9c - A Fishing vessel wont do what?

Answer 3

Shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating in a narrow channel or fairway.

Question 4

9d - Crossing a Narrow channel what not to do?

Answer 4

A vessel wont cross a narrow channel or fairway if such a 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 in (34d * * * * * 5 short blasts) if in doubt to the intentions of the crossing vessel.

Question 5

9e - How to overtake in a narrow channel?
(The overtaking rule 13 still applies.)

Answer 5

Overtaking can happen in a narrow channel, the vessel wanting to overtake sounds the appropriate signal:

    1.  - - *     2 long 1 short I intend to overtake on STBD
    2.  - - * *  2 long 2 short I intend to overtake on PORT

The overtaking vessel if in agreement replies with - * - * 1 long 1 short 1 long 1 short

Question 6

9f - What happens when nearing a bend or obscured area?

Answer 6

A vessel shall sound one long blast when nearing a bend or obscured area, (1 long here I come)

Question 7

9g What should vessels avoid in a narrow channel or fairway.

Answer 7

Anchoring