Question 9 RVR05 - Master of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is C. **Explanation for Option C (Correct):** Option C states that a vessel using a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) shall "avoid anchoring in areas near the termination of the scheme." This is correct and mandated by Rule 10(h) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which applies to both international and inland vessels when operating in areas governed by COLREGs. Rule 10(h) states: "A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme shall avoid anchoring within a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations." While the vessel in the question *is* using the TSS, the intention of this regulation is to keep the termination areas clear and predictable, as these are critical areas where vessels join, leave, or cross the scheme. Anchoring in or near the termination disrupts the flow and increases the risk of collision, making this action explicitly required to be avoided. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **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 designated to separate traffic moving in opposite or nearly opposite directions. Rule 10(b)(i) states that a vessel shall "so far as practicable avoid navigating in the separation zone or crossing the separation line except... (to cross or join)." Navigating longitudinally within the separation zone is strictly prohibited, regardless of the vessel's speed or how much she is hindering traffic in the adjacent lane. **B) only anchor in the separation zone** This is incorrect. Anchoring is prohibited within a TSS unless it is an emergency (such as needing to avoid immediate danger) or if necessary for the safe operation of the vessel (Rule 10(g)). Furthermore, anchoring specifically in the separation zone is highly dangerous and violates the general rule against navigating or operating within that zone (Rule 10(b)(i) and (h)). **D) avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if obliged to do so, shall cross on as small an angle as is practical** This is incorrect. While vessels should generally avoid crossing, if they are obliged to cross, Rule 10(c) explicitly requires the vessel to cross **"on 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 the vessel spends within the lane, increasing the risk of collision, which is the opposite of what the rules require.