Question 197 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) stay clear, the other vessel cannot get out of the way. The shapes displayed in illustration D006RR indicate that the other vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver. This means the vessel is engaged in an operation that severely limits its ability to change course or speed. As the give-way vessel, you should take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the restricted vessel, as it cannot readily get out of your way. The other options are incorrect because: B) contacting the vessel on VHF is not the proper action, C) stopping and sounding passing signals is not required, and D) the vessel is not in distress, it is simply restricted in its maneuverability.