Where one ship is crossing the channel from one side of it to the other, and another ship is proceeding along the same channel, the crossing rule governs the case. According to Rule 9 (d) of the 1972 Regulation, vessels must not cross a narrow channel if by doing so they impede the passage of any other vessel which can safely navigate only within the channel. Which rule governs the situation when a vessel crosses a narrow channel disregarding Rule 9 (d)? IMCO provided that the relevant Steering and Sailing Rules shall be complied with. I, however, conclude that the rules of good seamanship governs the above case.
