Fairway

A navigable channel or recognised route through a harbour, river or other confined waterway.

A fairway is normally the part of the waterway intended for through navigation and may be defined by its depth, lateral marks, charted limits or local directions. It is not necessarily the deepest water everywhere, and its available width and depth may change through silting, dredging or temporary works.

Vessels using a fairway should account for traffic, current, cross-track error, under-keel clearance and any local rules or harbour instructions. Small craft should also avoid obstructing vessels that can navigate safely only within the channel.