What is the exemption for vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver during safety operations in TSS?

Vessels that are restricted in their ability to maneuver, such as those engaged in safety operations within Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS), are indeed exempted from complying with certain navigation rules as necessary. This exemption is designed to provide these vessels the operational flexibility they need to perform their safety-related tasks effectively.

When vessels are carrying out operations that hinder their ability to maneuver, such as laying cable, conducting underwater work, or responding to emergencies, they may not be able to conform fully to the regulations that govern typical navigational behavior. Such exemptions are primarily for ensuring safety and operational effectiveness during critical missions. Therefore, these vessels must only comply with navigation rules to the extent that it is safe and practical, taking into consideration their current operational constraints.

This approach ensures that while the vessels are operating with specific exemptions, they still retain a level of responsibility to navigate safely and avoid collisions wherever possible.