8.5 At junction points where traffic from various directions
meets, a true separation of traffic is not really possible, as ships may need to cross
routes or change to another route. Ships should therefore navigate with great caution in
such areas and be aware that the mere fact that a ship is proceeding along a through-going
route gives that ship no special privilege or right of way.
8.6 A deep-water route is primarily intended for use by ships
which, because of their draught in relation to the available depth of water in the area
concerned, require the use of such a route. Through traffic to which the above
consideration does not apply should, as far as practicable, avoid using deep-water routes.
8.7 Precautionary areas should be avoided, if practicable, by
passing ships not making use of the associated traffic separation schemes or deep-water
routes, or entering or leaving adjacent ports.
8.8 In two-way routes, including two-way deep-water routes, ships
should as far as practicable keep to the starboard side.
8.9 Arrows printed on charts in connection with routeing systems
merely indicate the general direction of established or recommended traffic flow; ships
need not set their courses strictly along the arrows.
8.10 The signal "YG" meaning "You appear not to be
complying with the traffic separation scheme" is provided in the International Code
of Signals for appropriate use.
