Question 270 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels. This is the correct answer because according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), a seaplane on the water is considered a "vessel" and must follow the same right-of-way rules as other vessels. Specifically, Rule 18 states that a seaplane "shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation." The other options are incorrect because: A) a seaplane does not always have to give-way, it depends on the specific situation; C) a seaplane is not required to exhibit the lights of a vessel constrained by draft; and D) a seaplane must exhibit both the required lights and shapes for a vessel under the COLREGS.