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

The expectation for a vessel joining or leaving a traffic lane to do so at the smallest possible angle to the traffic flow is based on the principle of maintaining safe navigation and minimizing the risk of collisions. Joining or leaving at a small angle helps ensure that the vessel aligns closely with the direction of nearby vessels and reduces the time it spends in a potentially hazardous crossing situation.

This practice is crucial in busy traffic lanes where vessels are moving in established patterns. By minimizing the angle, a vessel can better anticipate the movements of other vessels and make its intentions clearer to nearby mariners, thus enhancing overall safety.

In contrast, attempting to join or leave the lane at a large angle can create unpredictable maneuvers, increasing the chances of collision with vessels that are already in the traffic flow. Therefore, maintaining a small angle is essential for safe navigation and ensuring that traffic flow within the lane remains orderly.