Yes, in effect. COLREGs Rule 9 says a sailing vessel, or any vessel under 20 metres, must not impede a vessel that can navigate safely only within a narrow channel. Keep out of a ship's way, and do it early.
The general rule that power gives way to sail does not help you in a shipping channel. Rule 9 of the collision regulations covers narrow channels and fairways, and says:
- a vessel of less than 20 metres in length, or a sailing vessel, shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway;
- a vessel shall not cross a narrow channel if doing so impedes a vessel that can navigate only within it;
- vessels proceeding along a channel should keep as near to its starboard side as is safe and practicable;
- a vessel should avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.
"Not impede" means acting early enough that the ship never has to alter course or slow down because of you. It is not enough to dodge out of the way at the last minute.
Why it matters:
- a large ship may need a kilometre or more to stop, and cannot leave the dredged channel;
- from the bridge of a container ship there can be a blind area of several hundred metres ahead of the bow, so a small yacht close in front may be completely out of sight;
- ships move faster than they appear to, and their bow wave and wash can be large;
- a ship blocks the wind, so a sailing boat close to leeward of one can be left without steerage.
Practical habits: know where the channels are from the chart, keep a lookout astern as well as ahead, cross channels at right angles and quickly (using the engine if the wind is light), and never sail across a ship's bow. If you hear five or more short blasts from a ship, it means she doubts you are taking enough action: take it now.
Many harbours also have local bylaws about small craft and large vessels in the main channels, so check the rules for the harbour you sail in.
More in the book: Chapter 13, The rules of the road