What is required of vessels navigating in a narrow channel?

In navigating a narrow channel, vessels are required to keep to the starboard side. This rule is established to promote safe passage and minimize the risk of collisions between vessels. By adhering to this guideline, vessels can ensure there is a consistent traffic flow in the channel, which is essential when navigating in confined waters where space is limited.

Keeping to the starboard side allows for easier identification of oncoming or overtaking vessels, which is crucial in managing right-of-way situations. It also provides a predictable path for vessels, which enhances safety and assists mariners in avoiding hazardous situations that may arise due to unexpected maneuvers.

Other options, such as allowing vessels to navigate anywhere in the channel, anchoring in the middle of the channel, or keeping to the port side, would undermine navigational safety and could lead to dangerous encounters given the constraints of narrow waterways. Therefore, adhering to navigation rules that dictate keeping to the starboard side in narrow channels is fundamental for the protection of all vessels involved.