Rule 9: Narrow Channels | COLREGS In Depth

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----------ABOUT THE VIDEO----------

This video was originally uploaded to our other channel, Casual Navigation, back in 2018.

An "in depth" look at Rule 9 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, the COLREGS. The COLREGS are the rules of the road that vessels must obey at sea to avoid collisions.

Rule 9 covers "Narrow Channels". In this video I go into detail about the rule and give examples of how to apply the rule at sea.

----------RULE 9----------

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.

(d) 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.

(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.

----------DISCLAIMER----------

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[enrilizamg]

I thought all your colreg animations are gone. You just made another YouTube channel for these. Thank you!

[zeevaartschooldocent]

Thank you.
My students in Nautical college (Netherlands) love your video's too.

[ServantOfOdin]

Intersting. Question regarding subsection (f); what if, by any chance, they sound the horn at the very same time, thus not being able to hear the other vessel and thus assume there is no other vessel?

[itachiuchiha]

Thanks a lot, very useful and easy to understand with your word.

[ds]

Question: will a narrow channel or fairway always be defined by buoys? Or would the rule apply also in situations where dry land or the nature of the seabed/rocks etc. create a 'narrow channel'?

[samw]

You know the rules 9, 10, 13, 15 when in a narrow channel does rule 15 not apply? Say a vessel is crossing from the stb side that would mean you would alter to stb but when in a narrow channel you just hold your course and it must give way to you? Correct? I know in rule 18 it states rule 9, 10 and 13 “otherwise require” meaning rule 18 doesnt over rule those rules and should follow 9, 10, 13 Basically how do you know which rules comes in to play first depending on the situation?

[mudathirhamada]

What lights should, if possible, carry the ship on oars on the move? 2.If the towing is performed (for example, by an emergency), the vessel is not suitable for it and it cannot carry the lights provided by the Rules, what to do in this case?

[IAmQuinton]

Good day, who gives way in a narrow channel between a vessel engaged in dredging operation with the unsafe side on the starboard side of the channel and power driven vessel navigation along the outer limits which lies on her starboard side?

[ajysingh]

very nice explanation. thanks. do you have series of colregs situations video also to practice.

[iFkNxLegend]

Could a sailing vessel or a vessel less than 20m in length impede a vessel in the narrow channel if the vessel in the narrow channel could safely navigate outside of the narrow channel?

[dnfking]

Actuall rule 9 always use right tool for thw right job

[syeddanishislam]

In case Restricted Visibility, if in Narrow channel will the vessel sound the signal mention in Rule 9f. And in same situation will she sound signal 9e (i)

[surfer]

Say a parasailing vessel flying open chute is crossing a 20m vessel either strboard or port side, which vessel is stand on or giveway?

[dhanrajshetty]

all your vedios are good i do watch your vedios but as per my knowledge for vessel overtaking if the vessel ahead of us does not sound any signal means he disagrees as in the vedio you said 5 short rapid blast if he disagresss PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I M WRONG THANKYOU.

[imranqayyum]

If in disagreement overtaken vessel shall Not sound 5 short blast, she will stay silent. As per colreg

[mfauzan]

whats the diffrence between makeway vessel, giveway vessel

[athultvenu]

From which convention this rule taken? Is it from SOLAS chapter v?