Coastal traffic zone

A coastal or inshore traffic zone is the area of water between the landward boundary of a traffic separation scheme and the adjacent coast. Under COLREGs Rule 10(d) a vessel must not use it when she can safely use the appropriate lane within the adjacent scheme, keeping through traffic in the lanes. The exceptions are vessels under 20 meters, sailing vessels, and vessels engaged in fishing, plus any vessel en route to or from a port, offshore installation, or pilot station inside the zone, or one avoiding immediate danger. The zone is shown on the chart with its own magenta limit and is not part of the separation scheme.