Question 175 Rules of the Road

You are correct, the answer is A) separates traffic proceeding in one direction from traffic proceeding in the opposite direction. The traffic separation zone is the designated area between the inbound and outbound traffic lanes within a traffic separation scheme. Its purpose is to physically separate vessels traveling in opposite directions, reducing the risk of collision. This is a fundamental function of a traffic separation scheme, as outlined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). The other answer choices are incorrect because: B) refers to the traffic lane itself, not the separation zone; C) an anchorage area is a separate designated area, not part of the traffic separation scheme; and D) the traffic separation zone is not located between the scheme and the nearest land, but rather between the opposing traffic flows.