48.2
(a) A Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) shall be understood to mean an area shown on a nautical chart, or in the notice of race, as a TSS.

(b) A boat shall not enter a TSS and, while near a TSS, shall not impede, or present a threat of impeding, a vessel using a TSS traffic lane.

(c) Add to the definition Obstruction: ‘A TSS is an obstruction.’

Application and background:

Rule TS2 has been shown to be an effective way to keep racing boats out of a TSS and away from the commercial vessels using the TSS. A good example of how this option has worked is the Fastnet Race. Similar language is used by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in its sailing instructions.

48.2
(a) A Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) shall be understood to mean an area shown on a nautical chart, or in the notice of race, as a TSS.

(b) While a boat is in a TSS traffic lane, she shall sail a course that is within 100 degrees of the direction of travel of the lane.

(c) A boat shall not impede, or present a threat of impeding, the safe passage of a power-driven vessel in a TSS traffic lane.

(d) If an official complaint/action is lodged against a boat by a commercial, government, or naval power-driven vessel, by a pilot, by vessel traffic service (VTS), or by other local government authority, it shall be presumed that the boat has broken rule 48.2.

(e) The race committee will cooperate with and provide relevant information to VTS and other governmental authorities regarding investigations of boats impeding a power-driven vessel.

Application and background:
This approach allows rigorous interpretation by boats and protest committees but may only be used with the agreement of local maritime authorities.