TSS Inshore Traffic Zone

The inshore traffic zone of a traffic separation scheme is the charted area between the landward boundary of the scheme and the adjacent coast, the band kept clear of through traffic. COLREGs Rule 10(d) governs it: a vessel must not use the zone if she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane in the adjacent scheme. The vessels that may use it are those under 20 meters, sailing vessels, and vessels engaged in fishing, plus any calling at a port or pilot station inside the zone, or one avoiding immediate danger. The zone is not part of the scheme, so the lane-keeping duties of Rule 10(b) stop at the landward limit, although the ordinary steering and sailing rules still apply.