What is generally expected of a vessel joining or leaving a traffic lane?

Joining or leaving a traffic lane at the smallest possible angle to the traffic flow is important for maintaining safe navigation and minimizing the risk of collisions. When a vessel approaches a traffic lane, coming in at a shallow angle allows for a smoother transition into the flow of traffic, which helps other vessels to better predict the movements of the incoming vessel. This practice promotes safety by reducing the amount of time a vessel spends in the lanes and ensures that it blends more seamlessly with the established traffic patterns.

The other options suggest practices that could lead to increased risk. Approaching at a large angle could create confusion for vessels already in the lane and extend the time spent crossing, increasing the potential for close encounters. Stopping before changing lanes is not practical in a dynamic traffic environment where maintaining forward motion is essential for operational safety. Signaling nearby vessels, while it plays a role in communication, is not the primary requirement for safely joining or leaving a traffic lane. The key focus is on the angle of approach in relation to the flow of traffic, which is why the smallest possible angle is the most effective and safest choice.