Question 139 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) The fishing vessel is directed not to impede the passage of the sailing vessel. This is correct because under both the International and Inland Navigation Rules, a vessel engaged in fishing (like the fishing vessel in this scenario) is considered a "vessel constrained by her draft" and is required to not impede the passage of a sailing vessel navigating in a narrow channel. The sailing vessel, being able to safely navigate only within the narrow channel, has the right-of-way over the fishing vessel. The other answer choices are incorrect because A) the sailing vessel does not have to keep out of the way of the fishing vessel, B) the vessels should not move to the port side edges of the channel, and C) the fishing vessel, not the sailing vessel, should be displaying signals for a vessel constrained by her draft.