What should a vessel not using a traffic separation scheme do?

Study for the COLREGs IRPCS Test. Address international collision regulations with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Be prepared for the sea!

A vessel not using a traffic separation scheme should avoid the scheme by a wide margin. The purpose of traffic separation schemes is to facilitate safe and efficient navigation for vessels that are using them. When a vessel is not part of the scheme, it is important for it to stay clear to avoid potential collisions and interference with vessels that are navigating within the scheme. By keeping a wide margin, the vessel not using the scheme minimizes the risk of confusion and ensures that it does not disrupt the orderly flow of traffic within the designated lanes.

Crossing the scheme at a 90-degree angle or maintaining a course through the scheme could lead to dangerous situations, as it would put the non-participating vessel directly in the path of vessels that are navigating according to the traffic separation rules. Navigating through the scheme would also contravene the regulations designed to maintain safety and order, creating potential hazards for all vessels involved. Therefore, avoiding the traffic separation scheme by a wide margin is the safest and most prudent course of action for a vessel not utilizing it.

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