Question 9 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Why Option C is Correct:** Option C ("avoid anchoring in areas near the termination of the scheme") is correct because it reflects a crucial safety requirement derived from Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both international and inland vessels when navigating where such schemes are established. Anchoring, fishing, or similar operations are generally prohibited within a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) unless the vessel is forced to do so. Specifically, anchoring near the termination points of a scheme is highly dangerous and disruptive, as vessels are either consolidating or dispersing their traffic flow, and an anchored vessel would pose a serious obstruction to the main traffic stream and the efficient operation of the TSS. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) use the separation zone for navigating through the scheme if she is hindering other traffic due to her slower speed:** This is incorrect. Rule 10(b) explicitly states that a vessel using a TSS shall proceed in the appropriate traffic lane. Rule 10(c) states that a vessel shall **so far as possible avoid navigating in the separation zone**. The separation zone is intended to separate opposing streams of traffic, not serve as an alternate slow-speed lane. A slow vessel must remain within the traffic lane and comply with the rules regarding overtaking and keeping clear. * **B) only anchor in the separation zone:** This is incorrect. Anchoring is generally prohibited in *all* parts of a TSS (including traffic lanes and the separation zone) unless it is an emergency (Rule 10(g)). The separation zone is not designated as an anchoring area; it is a separation area to be avoided. * **D) avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if obliged to do so, shall cross on as small an angle as is practical:** This is incorrect. Rule 10(c) dictates how crossing must be done: "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 the traffic flow." Crossing at a small angle (or oblique angle) keeps the vessel in the lane for a longer period, creating a greater risk of collision, whereas crossing at a right angle minimizes exposure time.