Traffic Separation Schemes
Though many things are like rule 9, Narrow channel is physical restriction. TSS is not about physical restriction, it is about heavy traffic density. TSS are created for improving safety.
Think of Highways and service roads.
(a) This Rule applies to traffic separation schemes adopted by the Organization and does not relieve any vessel of her obligation under any other rule.
Applies to IMO adopted TSS. You do not get any privileges for following TSS. YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL RULES.
(b) A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:
(I) proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane;
Stay on the proper side of road.
(II) so far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone;
Stay clear from the edges
(III) normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.
Join at proper places or join carefully at small angle.
(c) A vessel shall, so far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles of the general direction of traffic flow.
Avoid crossing, but if required cross with heading at 90 deg to the traffic flow. This way traffic understands that you are crossing and crossing will need minimum time.
(d) (l) A vessel shall not use an inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent TSS. However, vessels of less than 20m in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the inshore traffic zone.
Do not use service roads use main Highway.
(II) Notwithstanding subparagraph (d)(I), a vessel may use an inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a port, offshore installation or structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the inshore traffic zone, or avoid immediate danger.
Use service roads if you have work there.
(e) A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not normally enter a separation zone or cross a separation line except:
(I) in case of emergency to avoid immediate danger;
(II) to engage in fishing within a separation zone.
You may use service road area to avoid an emergency.
(f) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of traffic separation schemes shall do so with particular caution.
Be careful at crossings
(g) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid anchoring in a TSS or in areas near its terminations.
Avoid anchoring. Do not park in haphazard manner.
(h) A vessel not using a TSS shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.
If not using it, do not interfere.
(i) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.
Though fishing is allowed, they shall not cause obstructions to others.
(j) A vessel less than 20m in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.
They are allowed their activities without causing obstructions.
(k) A vessel Restricted in her Ability to Manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the maintenance of safety of navigation in a TSS is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent to carry out the operation.
Special exemptions for special vessels.
(l) A vessel Restricted in her Ability to Manoeuvre when engaged in an operation for the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable, within a TSS, is exempted from complying with this Rule to the extent necessary to carry out the operation.
Special exemptions for special vessels.