You are approaching a bend in a channel where you cannot be seen. What signal?
One prolonged blast. Any vessel round the bend within hearing must answer with one prolonged blast.
Rule 9 (f) and 34 (e).
Part of the convention Always: clear weather and fog alike
In a narrow channel or fairway keep to the starboard side, as near to the outer limit as is safe and practicable.
- A vessel under 20 m and a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
- A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.
- Do not cross a channel if crossing impedes a vessel that can navigate only within it. She may sound five short blasts if in doubt about your intentions.
- Overtaking in a channel: where overtaking is possible only if the vessel to be overtaken takes action to permit safe passing, the overtaking vessel must signal her intention and the other must answer her agreement and take those steps. That agreement does not release the overtaking vessel from rule 13.
- Approaching a bend where other vessels may be obscured: one prolonged blast and particular alertness.
- Avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.
At sea it looks like this
A large container ship in a canal physically cannot leave the dredged strip. Your 12-metre yacht may be there, but must not impede her: get over and let her through.
The rule says«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.»
Check yourself
Which side of a narrow channel must you keep to?
The outer limit that lies on your starboard side, as near to it as is safe and practicable.
Rule 9 (a).
Who must not impede a vessel that can navigate only inside the channel?
A vessel under 20 m, a sailing vessel and a vessel engaged in fishing. A fishing vessel must not impede any vessel in the fairway.
Rule 9 (b), (c).
How does overtaking work in a narrow channel?
Only by agreement: the overtaking vessel signals her intention, the other agrees and takes steps to permit safe passing. The agreement does not release her from rule 13.
Rule 9 (e).
Where must you not anchor?
In a narrow channel (if it can be avoided) and in a traffic separation scheme or near its ends.
Rule 9 (g) and 10 (g).
What do you do if you cannot read the intentions of a vessel crossing the fairway?
Sound at least five short and rapid blasts: the doubt signal of rule 34 (d).
Rule 9 (d) and 34 (d).