BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on vessel "A" and proceeding down a narrow channel as shown in illustration D040RR below. You can only navigate within the channel and vessel "B" is crossing so as to involve risk of collision. Which action would be most prudent?
• Rule 9 – Narrow Channels: Vessels that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel have special protection from vessels crossing the channel. • Rule 15 – Crossing Situations: Normally determines stand‑on and give‑way vessels, but must be read together with the narrow channel rule. • Rule 17 – Action of the Stand‑On Vessel: What the stand‑on vessel should usually do, and when it may/must maneuver.
• From the illustration, which vessel is confined to the narrow channel and which one is free to maneuver outside it? How does Rule 9 treat that relationship? • If you are the vessel that can only safely navigate within the channel, are you generally expected to alter course, change speed, or hold your line so the other vessel can avoid impeding you? • At what point would sounding the danger signal and taking evasive action become necessary under Rule 17, and does the picture suggest that this point has already been reached?
• Verify which vessel is the stand-on vessel by first applying Rule 9 (Narrow Channels), then considering the crossing rule. • Check whether altering course to starboard would take you toward or away from the vessel crossing the channel, given the diagram. • Ask whether backing down or stopping in a narrow channel, with current running, is normally a last resort or a first choice when you still have room and time.
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