Rule 9 - Narrow channels

a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep
as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard
side as is safe and practicable.
b) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the
passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or
fairway.
c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel
navigating within a narrow channel or fairway. A vessel shall not cross a narrow
channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can
safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use
the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the
crossing vessel.

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

(e) (i) In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only if
the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the
vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intention by sounding the
appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel to be
overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed
in Rule 34(c) (ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she
may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d).
(ii) This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation
under Rule 13.
(f)

A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway

where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction
shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the
appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e).

(g)

Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring
in a narrow channel.

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Key Words

Narrow channel
Fairway
Starboard side
Safe and practicable
Vessel less than 20 metres
Sailing vessel
Vessel engaged in fishing
Not to impede the passage
Crossing a narrow channel or fairway
Safely navigate
Sound signals
Overtaking in a narrow channel or
fairway
Safe passing
In doubt
Vessel nearing a bend
Anchoring in a narrow channel

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

A narrow channel is a navigable

channel in which the manoeuvering
space of a vessel may be restricted by
its width, its depth, hazards to
navigation such as shallows, shoals,
small rocks, etc. and in which the
passing of another vessel must be
conducted with exceptional caution 4

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

Narrow channels are found in all seas of the world and are more
frequent in:

Territorial waters (rather than in open seas)

Near coastlines
In the approach of harbours, rivers, estuaries,
In the bed of a river,
Near or between islands,
Near or between sandbanks,
Near or between shoals,
Etc.

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

Definitions
The term narrow channel is not easily defined:
A channel limited on either sides by buoys
A channel with a width of two to three miles limited
on either side by shoals
The bed or deeper part of a river
An approach
Etc.
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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

A channel limited on either sides by buoys

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

A channel with a width of two to three miles limited on either side by

shoals

kensblog.com

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

A channel with a width of two to three miles limited on

either side by shallow waters

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

An approach

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

Near or between islands

Bchwys.ca

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

Near or between shoals

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow Channel

Rule 9 (a)

Vessel in shallow waters

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Fairway

Rule 9 (a)

The term Fairway has a more restricted meaning than

the term narrow channel :
A navigable channel in a river, harbour, etc.
That part of a river, harbour and so on, where the main navigable
channel for vessels of large size lies (deep-water channel)
The usual course followed by vessels entering or leaving harbour
A channel dredged and maintained by port authorities
A passage between shallow depths
Etc.
A fairway is usually shallower than a narrow channel

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Fairway

Rule 9 (a)

A passage between shallow depths

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Fairway

Rule 9 (a)

The fairway is the deep water channel marked by

pecked lines on the chart for use by large vessels

The narrow channel refers to the whole width of

navigable water

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Rivers - Canals

Rule 9 (a)

Besides narrow channels and fairways, there are a multitude of natural

rivers which are navigable for large and small seagoing vessels, such
as:

the River Scheldt,

the Thames,
the Mississippi,
etc.

Besides narrow channels and fairways, there are a multitude of man

made canals which are also navigable for large and small seagoing
vessels, such as:

the Panama Canal,

the Suez Canal,
the Kiel Canal,
the Shangai Canal,
etc.

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Rivers - Canals

Rule 9 (a)

The River Scheldt

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Rivers - Canals

Rule 9 (a)

The Suez Canal

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Rivers - Canals

Rule 9 (a)

In most rivers and canals, local regulations apply which are

implemented by the local Government or the Harbour Authority.
In compliance with Rule 1 of the Colregs, these local regulations
must conforms as closely as possible with the 1972 Regulations
Information about these local regulations (or special Rules) can be
found :

in Sailing Directions,
in Notices to Mariners (especially NtM Nr. 1),
in radio notices,
via the pilot,
via the shipping agent,
etc.

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Rivers - Canals

Rule 9 (a)

In some channels, fairways, rivers or canals there are some

restrictions or limitations with regard to the draft or the
length of the vessel

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow channel - Fairway

Rule 9 (a)

Navigation in narrow channel or fairway

n

Near outer limit on starboard side

As is safe and practicable

Applies to all vessels

Power-driven vessels and

Sailing vessels
Keeping the the outer limit on the starboard side of the
channel or fairway reduces the risk of collision with meeting
vessels
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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Keep to the starboard side

Rule 9 (a)

2323

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Keep to the starboard side

Rule 9 (a)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow channel - Fairway

Rule 9 (a)

To move away from the starboard side is allowed:

n
n
n
n

When the draught makes it necessary

In case of bank suction
For sailing vessel in case of adverse wind
For obstacles on the starboard side
Vessel aground
Vessel at anchor
Vessels engaged in certain operations

n
n
n

To join another fairway or a berth

To call at a harbour
Etc.
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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

As is safe and practicable

Rule 9 (a)

Large and deep-draft vessels often have to seek the middle

and deeper part of the channel

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

As is safe and practicable

Rule 9 (a)

Sometimes, the direction of the wind makes it impossible for sailing

vessels to keep the starboard side of the channel

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Keep to the starboard side

Rule 9 (a)

Oncoming vessel does not keep to starboard

Give warning signal

Try to identify the vessel (AIS, binoculars)
and establish VHF contact
Keep closer to starboard as is safe and
practicable
Reduce speed or
Take all way of

At least five consecutive short blasts on the whistle

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow channel - Fairway

Rule 9 (a)

Use all available means to ensure that you are keeping to the outer
starboard limit of the channel :
The chart
The buoyage
Bearings
Radar
GPS and DGPS
Satnav
AIS
Etc.

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Narrow channel - Fairway

Rule 9 (a)

Rule 9 only applies to narrow channels or fairways and not to traffic

separation schemes or lanes

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Vessel less than 20 metres - Sailing vessels

Rule 9 (b)

Are not allowed to impede the passage :

n
n

Vessels of less than 20 m

Sailing vessels
Only for vessels which can safely navigate
only within a narrow channel or fairway

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Vessel less than 20 metres - Sailing vessels

Rule 9 (b)

Vessel less than 20 metres in length and sailing vessels may

not impede the passage of vessels which can safely navigate
only within a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (b) is in conformity with Rule 8 (f)

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captainheley.blogspot.com

Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Vessel less than 20 metres - Sailing vessels

Rule 9 (b) is applicable on vessels less than 20 m

in length and on ALL sailing vessels.
They are expected to take early action to keep well
clear of vessels which can only navigate within the
channel or fairway and well before risk of collision
exists or begins to develop

Rule 9 (b)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Vessel less than 20 metres - Sailing vessels

Rule 9 (b)

All these vessels are small and can manoeuvre quite easily when necessary. Hence
they can navigate inside as well as outside the channel. If a much larger and deeper
vessel approaches, they should take appropriate action not to impede her. The sailing
vessel is a supplementary hazard as she depends on the wind condition

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Vessels engaged in fishing

Rule 9 (c)

Are not allowed to impede the passage

n

Of any other vessel navigating within a narrow

channel or fairway

Fishing vessels may fish in an narrow

channel or fairway but they may NOT
impede the passage of vessels navigating
within a narrow channel or fairway
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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Vessels engaged in fishing

Rule 9 (c)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

Vessels shall NOT cross a narrow channel or

fairway:

If such crossing impedes the passage of a

vessel
Which can safely navigate only within such a
channel or fairway

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

How to negotiate a crossing

n
n
n
n

Positively
In ample time
At a good distance from stand-on vessel
Avoiding creating a doubt

In case of doubt (by stand-on vessel)

n
n
n

Use sound signals

Possibly supplemented with light signals
If possible contact by VHF (check AIS)
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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

Best action by crossing vessel

n

Wait until passage is clear

If there is risk of collision

n

Apply Rule 15 Crossing situation

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

VLCCs, ULCCs and vessels constrained by

their draft are limited in their manoeuvrability
and cannot navigate outside the limits of a
channel or fairway.
They have:
a large turning circle and
very big stopping distance
a slow rudder response
difficulty to stop

Smaller vessels should not impede

them or cross their passage

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

By day they shall exhibit black cylinder

(Rule 26)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

At night they exhibit three

all-round red lights (Rule 26).
Plus the normal navigation
lights

See also Rule 18 (d) (i)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

The crossing rules apply

in narrow channels:
A power-driven vessel
which can safely
navigate outside the
channel must keep out
of the way of a powerdriven vessel which is
crossing and
approaching from the
starboard side
Such a vessel cannot
claim the right not to be
impeded and must comply
with the Crossing Rules

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Crossing a narrow channel or fairway

Rule 9 (d)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Overtaking

Rule 9 (e)

Measures by overtaken vessel

n
n
n
n
n
n

Indicate agreement by giving signals

Give necessary passing room
Give prescribed manoeuvring signals
Reduce speed as necessary
If possible supplement signals by VHF, etc
Give signals in time
By overtaking vessel and
Vessel being overtaken
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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Overtaking

Rule 9 (e)

Only if vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit

safe passing:

Vessel overtaking

I intend to overtake you on your

starboard side
I intend to overtake you on your port
side

Vessel to be overtaken

I agree with you overtaking me

I doubt it is safe to overtake me

Sound signals may be supplemented by light

signals
Only in a narrow channel and in sight of one another

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Overtaking

Rule 9 (e)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Overtaking

Rule 9 (e)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Overtaking

Rule 9 (e)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Overtaking

Rule 9 (e)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Bend in a channel or fairway

Rule 9 (f)

Round bend with

caution
Sound one prolonged
blast
At a sufficient distance
Reply with one
prolonged blast
If necessary repeat
these signals
Use your AIS to look
around the bend
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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Bend in a channel or fairway

Rule 9 (f)

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Bend in a channel or fairway

Rule 9 (f)

Give a long blast after leaving the lock and

before entering the channel or the fairway

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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Bend in a channel or fairway

Rule 9 (f)

Priority in a bend
n
n

Not mentioned
In practice
Vessel with current has priority
Vessel against the current must wait
Vessel with large bend to starboard has priority
Vessel with small bend to port must wait
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Rule 9 - Narrow channels

Anchoring in a narrow channel

(Rule 9 (g)

Avoid anchoring in a narrow channel

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