Question 22 UFV01 - Master - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** A Traffic Separation Zone (TSZ) is a fundamental component of a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), as defined by international maritime regulations (specifically Rule 10 of the COLREGs – International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). Its explicit purpose is to act as a neutral area or buffer that **separates traffic proceeding in one direction from traffic proceeding in the opposite direction**. This is crucial for enhancing safety in congested waterways by minimizing the risk of head-on collisions between opposing streams of traffic. Mariners are generally required to avoid navigating within the TSZ, except for specific reasons (such as crossing the scheme or performing essential operations). **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **B) is located between the scheme and the nearest land:** This description typically refers to the **Inshore Traffic Zone (ITZ)**, which is the area between the boundary of the TSS nearest to the coast and the coastline itself. The TSZ is the separating strip located *within* the main scheme, not the zone between the scheme and the land. **C) is designated as an anchorage area:** While certain areas near or within complex waterways may be designated for anchoring, the specific function of a Traffic Separation Zone is separation, not anchorage. Anchoring is strictly prohibited within a TSZ because it obstructs the flow of organized traffic and poses a significant hazard. **D) contains all the traffic moving in the same direction:** The area that contains traffic moving in the same direction is known as a **Traffic Lane**. The TSZ separates the traffic lanes; it does not contain the moving traffic itself.