Question 9 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is C **Why option C ("avoid anchoring in areas near the termination of the scheme") is correct:** The rules governing Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) under both International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs Rule 10) and Inland Rules generally mandate that a vessel should not anchor within a traffic lane or a separation zone, except in case of emergency. Furthermore, anchoring should be entirely avoided near the terminations of the scheme. These areas are critical convergence and divergence points where traffic flow is complex and heavy. Anchoring there creates a significant hazard and potential for collision, regardless of whether the vessel is operating under International or Inland rules. **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. The separation zone (or separation line) is specifically designed to separate opposing streams of traffic. COLREGs Rule 10(b)(i) and corresponding Inland Rules state that a vessel shall so far as possible avoid navigating in the separation zone. Slow speed does not grant a vessel permission to navigate within the separation zone; it should stay within the appropriate traffic lane. * **B) only anchor in the separation zone:** This is incorrect. A vessel should avoid anchoring in the separation zone altogether, as noted above (Rule 10(g)). Anchoring is generally restricted to outside the scheme, unless there is an emergency or other specific exemptions (like certain maintenance vessels), but never as the *only* place to anchor. * **D) avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if obliged to do so, shall cross on as small an angle as is practical:** This is incorrect. COLREGs Rule 10(c) states that if a vessel is obliged to cross traffic lanes, she shall do so "upon a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow." Crossing at a small angle (acute angle) maximizes the time spent in the lane and increases the risk of collision, which is the opposite of what the rules intend.