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Rule 10

Traffic separation schemes

Any visibility

Follow the lane in its direction of flow, keep clear of the separation zone, and cross at right angles.

Traffic separation scheme, Rule 10Two horizontal traffic lanes with opposite directions of flow are divided by a shaded separation zone. One vessel follows her lane in its direction of flow. Another vessel crosses the whole scheme on a heading at right angles to the traffic flow.separation zone — keep clearfollow the lane’sdirection of flowcross at right anglesto the traffic flow
Rule 10 — inside a traffic separation scheme: proceed in your lane's general direction of flow and keep clear of the separation zone; if you must cross, do it on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the flow.

In plain language

Traffic separation schemes are the highways of busy waters. Inside one: proceed in the lane's general direction of flow, keep clear of the separation line or zone, and join or leave at the ends — or at as shallow an angle as practicable. If you must cross, do it on a heading as near to right angles to the traffic flow as you can. A vessel engaged in fishing must not impede any vessel following a traffic lane, while vessels under 20 m and sailing vessels must not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a lane; vessels not using the scheme should stay well clear of it.

This rule differs under the US Inland Rules. Change the rule set in language and regional settings to see the difference.