A vessel proceeding along a narrow channel shall keep as near as safe and practicable to the limit of the channel on her starboard side.

A vessel proceeding along a narrow channel shall keep as near as safe and practicable to the limit of the channel on her starboard side.

• A. Port Side
• B. Starboard Side
• C. Center of the Channel
• D. Any Side

Answer: (B)

In a narrow channel, vessels should stay on the right-hand side, hugging the starboard edge. This gives a clear, predictable path for traffic and helps keep space available for any opposing craft to pass safely. Keeping as near as practical to the limit of the channel on the starboard side also helps avoid hazards such as banks or shoals that often line the outer edge. If you moved toward the left edge or toward the center, you’d reduce the available passing space and increase the risk of collision or grounding. So, staying to the starboard edge is the safest and most consistent choice.

In a narrow channel, vessels should stay on the right-hand side, hugging the starboard edge. This gives a clear, predictable path for traffic and helps keep space available for any opposing craft to pass safely. Keeping as near as practical to the limit of the channel on the starboard side also helps avoid hazards such as banks or shoals that often line the outer edge. If you moved toward the left edge or toward the center, you’d reduce the available passing space and increase the risk of collision or grounding. So, staying to the starboard edge is the safest and most consistent choice.