Question 159 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels. This is because under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), Rule 18 states that "a seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation." This means that seaplanes, being aircraft, have an obligation to avoid interfering with the safe navigation of waterborne vessels when operating on the water. The other answer options are incorrect because: A) Seaplanes are not vessels constrained by draft, B) Seaplanes must exhibit appropriate lights and shapes, and C) While seaplanes should generally give way to avoid collisions, the COLREGS place the primary responsibility on the seaplane to keep clear of vessels.