Question 168 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) provide inbound and outbound lanes to promote the safe flow of vessel traffic. Traffic separation schemes are designed to organize the flow of maritime traffic in congested or potentially dangerous areas. By establishing dedicated inbound and outbound lanes, these schemes help vessels navigate safely and reduce the risk of collisions. This aligns with the primary purpose of traffic separation schemes, which is to facilitate the orderly and predictable movement of vessels. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the core function of traffic separation schemes. Option A is incorrect as these schemes do not prohibit vessels from entering environmentally sensitive areas. Option B is incorrect as they are not primarily intended to reduce shipping delays. Option C is incorrect as traffic separation schemes do not eliminate the need for a dedicated lookout on vessels.