All vessels must maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing, and by all available means, to continuously assess the situation and the risk of collision. 

Vessels must proceed at a safe speed to enable them to take proper and effective action to avoid a collision and be stopped within an appropriate distance. 

Every vessel must use all available means to determine if a risk of collision exists. 

Vessels must take early and decisive action to avoid a collision. If a vessel with the right-of-way is compelled to take action to avoid a collision, it must do so. 

Vessels must keep to the starboard side of the channel as far as is safe and practicable. Smaller vessels and sailing vessels must not impede vessels that must navigate within the channel. 

Vessels must follow the general direction of travel within the designated lanes of a TSS to promote safe navigation. 

Vessels should not anchor unless circumstances require it, and anchoring in narrow channels should be avoided. 

Vessels must display appropriate navigation lights to indicate their presence, type, and status. 

• Maneuvering and Warning Signals: Short and prolonged blasts of a whistle or horn indicate specific actions or intentions, such as altering course or warning of a danger. 
  
   
• Restricted Visibility: Specific sound signals are required to alert other vessels in conditions of restricted visibility, such as fog. 
  
   
• Distress Signals: Vessels in distress must use the specific signals described in the COLREGs Annex IV.