If there is not enough sea room to pass ahead in a TSS, what action should you take?

• A. Significantly reduce speed and allow other vessel to pass ahead
• B. Increase speed to pass ahead
• C. Stop immediately
• D. Turn to port

Answer: (A)

In a Traffic Separation Scheme, you must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision when there isn’t enough sea room to maneuver. If you can’t safely pass a vessel ahead, the prudent move is to slow down significantly to create the space for that vessel to pass ahead of you. This reduces risk by giving both vessels more time and distance to react and stay clear of one another, and it keeps you within safe limits of the TSS lanes. Speeding up to try to squeeze past increases the chance of a side-swipe or collision, stopping immediately isn’t the default safe action unless a collision is imminent, and turning to port could force you into another vessel’s path. Communicating your intentions if possible can help coordinate the maneuver, but the key idea is to reduce speed and let the other vessel pass ahead to maintain safety.