Question 81 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) engaged on pilotage duty. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules, a sailing vessel must keep out of the way of vessels that are restricted in their ability to maneuver, engaged in fishing, and not under command. However, a sailing vessel is not required to keep out of the way of a vessel engaged on pilotage duty. The rationale is that a vessel engaged on pilotage duty, such as a pilot boat, has the right-of-way to safely conduct its pilotage operations, which are essential for the safe navigation of other vessels. The other options, such as vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver or engaged in fishing, do not have this special status and must be avoided by the sailing vessel.