Paragraph (a): Keep to starboard
A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
COLREGs trainerPart B: Steering and Sailing Rules
Rule 9
Narrow Channels
Keep to the outer limit of the channel on her starboard side.
Wording follows the International Regulations as printed in the US Coast Guard Navigation Rules handbook (2024), with British spelling, and is shortened in places. Download the rules
Read the whole of Rule 9 on one page
Paragraph (a): Keep to starboard
A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
Paragraph (b): Small craft and sailing vessels
A vessel of less than 20 m in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
Paragraph (c): Fishing vessels
A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.
Paragraph (d): Crossing the channel
A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within it. The latter may use the Rule 34(d) signal if in doubt as to the crossing vessel’s intention.
Paragraph (e): Overtaking in a channel
(i) Where overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken takes action to permit safe passing, the overtaking vessel shall signal her intention under Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel to be overtaken, if in agreement, sounds the Rule 34(c)(ii) signal and takes steps to permit safe passing; if in doubt she may sound the Rule 34(d) signal. (ii) This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under Rule 13.
Paragraph (f): Bends and obstructions
A vessel nearing a bend or an area where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the Rule 34(e) signal.
Paragraph (g): Anchoring
Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.
Test yourself on Rule 9
- When proceeding along a narrow channel or fairway, a vessel shall keep:
- Near the outer limit of the channel on her starboard side. Rule 9: keep as near to the outer limit of the channel which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
A training aid, not the official text. The COLREGs are an IMO convention, and your national authority publishes the version that applies in its waters. Check the rules themselves before you rely on them at sea. Download the rules.