Question 284 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) vessel not under command. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules both state that a vessel underway and fishing shall keep out of the way of a vessel not under command. This is because a vessel not under command is unable to maneuver as required by the rules, and thus has the right-of-way. The other options are incorrect because sailing vessels, power-driven vessels underway, and vessels engaged on pilotage duty do not have the absolute right-of-way over a vessel underway and fishing. The rules specify the right-of-way based on the vessel's ability to maneuver, not its type or activity.