Define 'narrow channel' and 'fairway'. What width makes a channel 'narrow'?

The COLREGs give no definition and no fixed width — it is a matter of good seamanship on the local circumstances, judged against the size, draught and traffic of the vessels using it. Working definitions: a narrow channel is a navigable water restricted in width by natural or artificial features so vessels are confined to a limited navigable width; a fairway is the main navigable route through restricted waters. Lead: no width in the Rules — 'narrow' depends on *your* ship; Rule 9 conduct applies to both.

May a vessel under 20 m or a sailing vessel proceed against the general flow in a narrow channel?

Rule 9(b)/(c): a vessel under 20 metres or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway; nor shall a vessel engaged in fishing. They may use the channel but must keep out of the way of the vessel constrained to it. Trap: 'shall not impede' — not a prohibition on being there, an obligation not to obstruct.

Overtaking in a narrow channel — what signals and what if the other vessel doesn't agree?

Rule 9(e): overtaking is allowed only if the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing. The overtaking vessel sounds two prolonged + one short (overtake on your starboard) or two prolonged + two short (on your port) — Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel to be overtaken, if in agreement, sounds prolonged–short–prolonged–short (Morse 'C') and takes steps to permit safe passing; if in doubt she sounds the five short blasts (Rule 34(d)). Lead: ask with the whistle, and don't overtake until she answers 'C'.

Rule 9 — may you anchor in a narrow channel?

Rule 9(g): a vessel shall avoid anchoring in a narrow channel if the circumstances of the case admit. Lead: avoid it if you possibly can; if forced to, keep clear of the fairway and show the correct anchor signals.

Meeting an oncoming vessel in a narrow channel, one stemming the tide and one with it — does the tide give either priority?

No — the COLREGs contain no 'stem-the-tide' rule. Both vessels keep to the starboard outer limit of the channel (Rule 9(a)) and pass port-to-port. A priority for the vessel stemming (or running with) the tide exists only where local by-laws create it (some rivers/ports). Trap: don't quote a stem-the-tide rule as COLREGs — it isn't one.

In a narrow channel a vessel is crossing from your starboard. Does Rule 15 make you give way?

Rule 9(d) governs: a crossing vessel shall not impede a vessel that can navigate only within the channel — and shall use the doubt signal (five short) if unsure. If you are the channel-bound vessel, the crosser must keep clear regardless of which side she's on. Rule 15 still applies as between two vessels both free to manoeuvre, but Rule 9 prevails for the vessel constrained to the channel. Watch: 'not impede' overrides the ordinary crossing hand-over inside the channel.

Part B · Steering and sailing rules Section I · Conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility

COLREGS 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.

COLREGS Rule 9 — Narrow Channels

All COLREGS Rules and Annexes

Part A · General

Part B · Steering and sailing rules

Part C · Lights and shapes

Part D · Sound and light signals

Part E · Exemptions

Part F · Verification of compliance

Annex I · Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes

Annex II · Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity

Annex III · Technical details of sound signal appliances

Annex IV

Also free for seafarers

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