Rule 09 - Narrow Channels

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

a)

A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keepas near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard

side as is safe and practicable.

b)

A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the

passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel orfairway.

c)

A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel

navigating within a narrow channel or fairway. A vessel shall not cross a narrow

channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which cansafely 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.

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels(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 theappropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel to be

overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribedin Rule 34(c) (ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she

may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d).

(ii) This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligationunder 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 theappropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e).

(g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring

in a narrow channel.

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Key Words

! Narrow channel! Fairway

! Starboard side! Safe and practicable

! Vessel less than 20 metres

!Sailing vessel

! Vessel engaged in fishing

! Not to impede the passage! Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

! Safely navigate

! Sound signals

!Overtaking in a narrow channel orfairway

! Safe passing

! In doubt

! Vessel nearing a bend! Anchoring in a narrow channel

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsNarrow Channel Rule 9 (a)

A narrow channel is a navigable

channel in which the manoeuveringspace of a vessel may be restricted by

its width, its depth, hazards to

navigation such as shallows, shoals,

small rocks, etc. and in which the

passing of another vessel must be

conducted with exceptional caution 4


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Narrow channels are found in all seas of the world and are more

frequent in:

! Territorial waters (rather than in open seas)

!Near coastlines

! In the approach of harbours, rivers, estuaries, !!

! In the bed of a river,! Near or between islands,

!

Near or between sandbanks,! Near or between shoals,

! Etc.

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Definitions

The term narrow channel is not easily defined:

!

A channel limited on either sides by buoys!A channel with a width of two to three miles limited

on either side by shoals

! The bed or deeper part of a river

!An approach

! Etc.

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A channel limited on either sides by buoys

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A channel with a width of two to three miles limited on either side by

shoals

kensblog.com 8


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A channel with a width of two to three miles limited oneither side by shallow waters

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bchwys.ca

An approach

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Bchwys.ca

Near or between islands

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Near or between shoals

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Vessel in shallow waters

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsFairway Rule 9 (a)

The term Fairway has a more restricted meaning thanthe term narrow channel :

! A navigable channel in a river, harbour, etc.

! That part of a river, harbour and so on, where the main navigable

channel for vessels of large size lies (deep-water channel)

! The usual course followed by vessels entering or leaving harbour

! A channel dredged and maintained by port authorities

! A passage between shallow depths

! Etc.

A fairway is usually shallower than a narrow channel

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A passage between shallow depths

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The fairway is the deep water channel marked bypecked lines on the chart for use by large vessels

The narrow channel refers to the whole width of

navigable water 16


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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsRivers - Canals Rule 9 (a)

Besides narrow channels and fairways, there are a multitude of naturalrivers which are navigable for large and small seagoing vessels, such

as:

! the River Scheldt,

! the Thames,

!the Mississippi,

! etc.

Besides narrow channels and fairways, there are a multitude of man

made canals which are also navigable for large and small seagoing

vessels, such as:

! the Panama Canal,

! the Suez Canal,

! the Kiel Canal,

! the Shangai Canal,

!etc. 17


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The River Scheldt

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsRivers - Canals Rule 9 (a)The Suez Canal

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In most rivers and canals, local regulations apply which are

implemented by the local Government or the Harbour Authority.

In compliance with Rule 1 of the Colregs, these local regulationsmust conforms as closely as possible with the 1972 Regulations

Information about these local regulations (or special Rules) can be

found :

!in Sailing Directions,

! in Notices to Mariners (especially NtM Nr. 1),

! in radio notices,

! via the pilot,

! via the shipping agent,

!etc. 20


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In some channels, fairways, rivers or canals there are somerestrictions or limitations with regard to the draft or the

length of the vessel

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Navigation in narrow channel or fairway

! Near outer limit on starboard side

! As is safe and practicable

! Applies to all vessels

! Power-driven vessels and

! Sailing vessels

Keeping the the outer limit on the starboard side of thechannel or fairway reduces the risk of collision with meeting

vessels

Narrow channel - Fairway Rule 9 (a)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsKeep to the starboard side Rule 9 (a)

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To move away from the starboard side is allowed:

! When the draught makes it necessary

! In case of bank suction

! For sailing vessel in case of adverse wind

!

For obstacles on the starboard side

! Vessel aground

! Vessel at anchor

!

Vessels engaged in certain operations!

To join another fairway or a berth

!

To call at a harbour

!

Etc.

Narrow channel - Fairway Rule 9 (a)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsAs is safe and practicable Rule 9 (a)

Large and deep-draft vessels often have to seek the middleand deeper part of the channel

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsAs is safe and practicable Rule 9 (a)

Sometimes, the direction of the wind makes it impossible for sailing

vessels to keep the starboard side of the channel 27

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At least five consecutive short blasts on the whistle

Oncoming vessel does not keep to starboard! Give warning signal! Try to identify the vessel (AIS, binoculars)

and establish VHF contact! Keep closer to starboard as is safe and

practicable

! Reduce speed or! Take all way of

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsNarrow channel - Fairway Rule 9 (a)

Use all available means to ensure that you are keeping to the outer

starboard limit of the channel :

! The chart! The buoyage

! Bearings

! Radar! GPS and DGPS

! Satnav

!AIS! Etc.

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsNarrow channel - Fairway Rule 9 (a)Rule 9 only applies to narrow channels or fairways and not to traffic

separation schemes or lanes

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Are not allowed to impede the passage :

! Vessels of less than 20 m

! Sailing vessels

! Only for vessels which can safely navigate

only within a narrow channel or fairway

Vessel less than 20 metres - Sailing vessels Rule 9 (b)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsVessel less than 20 metres - Sailing vessels Rule 9 (b)

captainheley.blogspot.com

Vessel less than 20 metres in length and sailing vessels maynot impede the passage of vessels which can safely navigate

only within a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (b) is in conformity with Rule 8 (f) 32

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Rule 9 (b) is applicable on vessels less than 20 min length and on ALL sailing vessels.

They are expected to take early action to keep wellclear of vessels which can only navigate within the

channel or fairway and well before risk of collisionexists or begins to develop

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All these vessels are small and can manoeuvre quite easily when necessary. Hencethey can navigate inside as well as outside the channel. If a much larger and deeper

vessel approaches, they should take appropriate action not to impede her. The sailingvessel is a supplementary hazard as she depends on the wind condition

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Are not allowed to impede the passage

! Of any other vessel navigating within a narrow

channel or fairway

Fishing vessels may fish in an narrow

channel or fairway but they may NOTimpede the passage of vessels navigatingwithin a narrow channel or fairway

Vessels engaged in fishing Rule 9 (c)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsVessels engaged in fishing Rule 9 (c)

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Vessels shall NOT cross a narrow channel or

fairway:

If such crossing impedes the passage of a

vessel

Which can safely navigate only within such a

channel or fairway

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway Rule 9 (d)

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How to negotiate a crossing!

Positively

! In ample time

! At a good distance from stand-on vessel

! Avoiding creating a doubt

In case of doubt (by stand-on vessel)

! Use sound signals

! Possibly supplemented with light signals

! If possible contact by VHF (check AIS)


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Best action by crossing vessel

! Wait until passage is clear

If there is risk of collision

! Apply Rule 15 Crossing situation


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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsCrossing a narrow channel or fairway Rule 9 (d)

VLCCs, ULCCs and vessels constrained bytheir draft are limited in their manoeuvrability

and cannot navigate outside the limits of achannel or fairway.

They have:

!a large turning circle and

! very big stopping distance

! a slow rudder response! difficulty to stop

Smaller vessels should not impede

them or cross their passage

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Rule 9 Narrow channels


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By day they shall exhibit black cylinder(Rule 26)

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At night they exhibit threeall-round red lights (Rule 26).

Plus the normal navigation

lights

See also Rule 18 (d) (i) 42



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The crossing rules applyin narrow channels:

A power-driven vessel

which can safely

navigate outside the

channel must keep out

of the way of a power-

driven vessel which is

crossing and

approaching from the

starboard side

Such a vessel cannot

claim the right not to be

impeded and must comply

with the Crossing Rules 43



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Measures by overtaken vessel

! Indicate agreement by giving signals

! Give necessary passing room

! Give prescribed manoeuvring signals

! Reduce speed as necessary

! If possible supplement signals by VHF, etc

! Give signals in time

! By overtaking vessel and

! Vessel being overtaken

Overtaking Rule 9 (e)

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" Vessel overtaking"" I intend to overtake you on your

starboard side

"" I intend to overtake you on your portside

" Vessel to be overtaken" " I agree with you overtaking me

I doubt it is safe to overtake me

Sound signals may be supplemented by lightsignals

Overtaking Rule 9 (e)

Only if vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit

safe passing:

Only in a narrow channel and in sight of one another 48



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Rule 9 Narrow channelsOvertaking Rule 9 (e)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsOvertaking Rule 9 (e)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsBend in a channel or fairway Rule 9 (f)

! Round bend withcaution

! Sound one prolonged

blast """

!At a sufficient distance

! Reply with oneprolonged blast """

!If necessary repeatthese signals

! Use your AIS to look

around the bend

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Give a long blast after leaving the lock and

before entering the channel or the fairway

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Priority in a bend

!

Not mentioned!

In practice

! Vessel with current has priority

!

Vessel against the current must wait

! Vessel with large bend to starboard has priority

! Vessel with small bend to port must wait

Bend in a channel or fairway Rule 9 (f)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channelsAnchoring in a narrow channel (Rule 9 (g)

Avoid anchoring in a narrow channel

Rule 09 - Narrow Channels

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