3.20 By rules 10(k) and 10(l) respectively of the 1972 Collision
Regulations a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre when engaged in an operation
for either the maintenance of safety of navigation or the laying, servicing or picking up
of a submarine cable in a traffic separation scheme is exempted from complying with rule
10 to the extent necessary to carry out the operation. The Government or authority
responsible for safety of navigation in a traffic separation scheme should ensure that:
.1 the intention of undertaking such an operation is first
notified to each Government or appropriate authority concerned;
.2 information about such ships working in a traffic separation
scheme is, as far as practicable, promulgated in advance by Notice to Mariners, and
subsequently by radionavigation warnings broadcast before and at regular intervals during
the operations;
.3 such operations are, as far as possible, avoided in conditions
of restricted visibility.
