# 33 C.F.R. § 167.5 (2026): Definitions

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P167_S167_5

## Section

- **Citation:** 33 C.F.R. § 167.5 (2026)
- **Heading:** Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 33 CFR: Navigation and Navigable Waters / Chapter I: COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY / Part 167: OFFSHORE TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES / Subpart A: General / § 167.5: § 167.5   Definitions.

## Text

(a)
Area to be avoided
means a routing measure comprising an area within defined limits in which either navigation is particularly hazardous or it is exceptionally important to avoid casualties and which should be avoided by all ships or certain classes of ships.
(b)
Traffic separation scheme
(TSS) means a designated routing measure which is aimed at the separation of opposing streams of traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes.
(c)
Traffic lane
means an area within defined limits in which one-way traffic is established. Natural obstacles, including those forming separation zones, may constitute a boundary.
(d)
Separation zone or line
means a zone or line separating the traffic lanes in which ships are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions; or separating a traffic lane from the adjacent sea area; or separating traffic lanes designated for particular classes of ships proceeding in the same direction.
(e)
Precautionary area
means a routing measure comprising an area within defined limits where ships must navigate with particular caution and within which the direction of traffic flow may be recommended.
(f)
Deep-water route
means an internationally recognized routing measure primarily intended for use by ships that, because of their draft in relation to the available depth of water in the area concerned, require the use of such a route.
(g)
Two-way route
means a route within defined limits inside which two-way traffic is established, aimed at providing safe passage of ships through waters where navigation is difficult or dangerous.
[CGD 81-080, 48 FR 36456, Aug. 11, 1983; 49 FR 15548, Apr. 19, 1984, as amended by CGD 90-039, 59 FR 21937, Apr. 28, 1994; CGD 97-004, 65 FR 12945, Mar. 10, 2000; USCG-1999-5700, 65 FR 46605, July 31, 2000]

## Nearby sections

- [33 C.F.R. § 167.1 (2026) § 167.1   Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P167_S167_1.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 167.3 (2026) § 167.3   Geographic coordinates.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P167_S167_3.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 167.5 (2026) § 167.5   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P167_S167_5.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 167.10 (2026) § 167.10   Operating rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P167_S167_10.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 167.15 (2026) § 167.15   Modification of schemes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P167_S167_15.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P167_S167_5. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.