Within a traffic separation scheme, joining a lane from the side should be done at as small an angle as possible.

Within a traffic separation scheme, joining a lane from the side should be done at as small an angle as possible.

• A. As small as possible
• B. 90 degrees
• C. 60 degrees
• D. As large as possible

Answer: (A)

In a traffic separation scheme, joining a lane from the side should be done at as small an angle as possible. This keeps your approach aligned with the flow of traffic in the lane, making your intentions predictable to other vessels and reducing the time you spend crossing the lanes. A sharp, large, or 90-degree entry would cut across the traffic and force other ships to take sudden action to avoid you, increasing the risk of collision and disruption. A moderate angle like 60 degrees is still more disruptive than a very shallow approach. So the safest and most practical choice is to enter at the smallest angle practicable.

In a traffic separation scheme, joining a lane from the side should be done at as small an angle as possible. This keeps your approach aligned with the flow of traffic in the lane, making your intentions predictable to other vessels and reducing the time you spend crossing the lanes. A sharp, large, or 90-degree entry would cut across the traffic and force other ships to take sudden action to avoid you, increasing the risk of collision and disruption. A moderate angle like 60 degrees is still more disruptive than a very shallow approach. So the safest and most practical choice is to enter at the smallest angle practicable.