Question 9 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is C **Why option C ("avoid anchoring in areas near the termination of the scheme") is correct:** Rule 10(g) of both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Inland Rules addresses actions within a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). Specifically, Rule 10(g) states that a vessel shall **"so far as practical, avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or in areas near its terminations."** Termination areas are where merging or diverging traffic is most complex and prone to confusion; anchoring there unnecessarily increases risk and hinders traffic flow. Therefore, avoiding anchoring near the termination of the scheme is a mandatory requirement (or strongly advised where unavoidable) for vessels using 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)(i) dictates that vessels using a TSS must proceed in the appropriate traffic lane. Rule 10(c) explicitly states that a vessel shall, "so far as practical, avoid crossing traffic lanes and **shall not normally enter a separation zone** or cross a separation line except (i) in case of emergency to avoid immediate danger; (ii) to engage in fishing within the separation zone; or (iii) to cross a lane or to enter or leave a lane." Slower speed is not a valid justification for violating the restriction against navigating through the separation zone. * **B) only anchor in the separation zone:** This is incorrect. Rule 10(g) advises against anchoring anywhere within the scheme, including the separation zone, unless absolutely necessary. There is no rule stating that a vessel should *only* anchor there. Furthermore, anchoring in the separation zone is generally prohibited as it is reserved primarily for emergencies, fishing, or lane crossing. * **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) states that a vessel crossing traffic lanes shall do so **"on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow."** Crossing at a small angle (acute angle) is highly dangerous as it prolongs the time spent in the crossing lane and makes the vessel's intentions and movements less predictable to oncoming traffic.