Inshore Traffic Zone
The routeing measure between a traffic separation scheme and the adjacent coast, who may use it, and what COLREG Rule 10(d) requires.
An inshore traffic zone is a routeing measure comprising a designated area between the landward boundary of a traffic separation scheme and the adjacent coast. It exists to keep local and coastal traffic clear of the through traffic in the scheme’s lanes.
Rule 10(d) of the COLREGs governs its use. A vessel shall not normally use an inshore traffic zone if she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane within the adjacent traffic separation scheme. The rule then sets out the exceptions: vessels of less than 20 metres in length, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing may use the zone, as may any vessel en route to or from a port, offshore installation, structure, pilot station or any other place situated within the zone, or to avoid immediate danger.
The zones in the Strait of Malacca routeing system lie between the landward boundary of each scheme and the Malaysian coast, and are defined per scheme with published coordinates. The full article will cover the definition, the Rule 10(d) exceptions and how they are applied in practice, enforcement, and the interaction with local ferry and fishing traffic.