Question 271 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) Vessel "A" must keep out of the way of vessel "B" because "B" is fishing. The reasoning is based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), which state that a vessel engaged in fishing has the right-of-way over a power-driven vessel underway. This is covered in Rule 18 of the COLREGS, which outlines the responsibilities between different types of vessels. The other options are incorrect because: A) the fact that "B" is to port is irrelevant, as the fishing vessel has the right-of-way; C) both vessels do not have to keep clear of each other, as the power-driven vessel "A" must give way to the fishing vessel "B"; and D) "B" does not have to keep out of the way of "A" because "B" is the vessel engaged in fishing.