Gapoy, Frednixen B.

BSMT2-Alpha
October 15, 2021

1) Illustrate a narrow channel with labels.

The definition of "narrow" varies according to the type and nature of vessel
(length, breadth, etc.) and the circumstances. A "channel" is a natural or dredged
lane with shallow water on both sides and buoys to mark it.

The picture below illustrates how does a narrow look like. According to the
COLREG rule 9, vessels must stay as close to the channel's or fairway's outer limit on
her starboard side as is safe and practicable.

In narrow channels, you can also see buoys. These water road signs are made
up of five different types of buoys: cardinal, lateral, isolated danger, special, and safe
water marks. These buoys and marks indicate where there is safe water and where
you should navigate within a channel safely.

Outer Limit

Port-hand
starboard-
buoys
hand buoys

Open Water
 Port-Hand Buoys are green in colour and mark the left side of a channel or
the location of a specific danger. Port-Hand Buoys must be kept on the left-hand side
of your boat when heading upstream.

On conntrary, the right side of a channel or the location of a specific danger is

marked by starboard-hand buoys, which are red in color. When heading upstream,
keep your starboard-hand buoys on the right side of your boat.

2) Describe the proper way of navigating in a narrow channel. Please write legibly

These specific waters pose significant dangers to any vessel's safety and safe
navigation, just as they do in any waters and condition. When traveling through
narrow channels, extreme caution is advised because there is limited sea room and
potential threats.

Rule 9 of the COLREGS provides instructions that must be followed when a

vessel to transit or navigate through narrow channel properly.

It was mentioned that a vessel traveling through a narrow channel or fairway

must stay as close to the channel's or fairway's outer limit on her starboard side as is
safe and practicable.

There’s an instruction saying that the vessel intending to overtake shall

indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c) in
a narrow channel or fairway where overtaking is only possible if the vessel to be
overtaken must take action to allow safe passage (i). If both vessels agree, the
overtaking vessel will sound the appropriate signal as specified in Rule 3.

The Rule 9 of COLREGS also states the limitations and regulations that must
be observed to prevent collision in narrow channels. For instance,
a vessel under 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel/fishing vessel, shall not
obstruct the passage of a vessel that can only safely navigate within a narrow
channel or fairway.

Also, a vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if doing so would
obstruct the passage of a vessel that can only safely navigate within that channel or
fairway. If the latter vessel is unsure of the crossing vessel's intent, it may use the
sound signal specified in Rule 34(d).

Rule 9 also mentioned that you should not anchor in a narrow channel unless
it is absolutely necessary. When operating in a narrow channel, you must use the
appropriate sound signals and exercise caution: Taking the lead/being overtaken or
when approaching a bend in the channel with your view being obstructed.