Question 27

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (power-driven vessel) being correct:** The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 18 (Responsibilities between Vessels), establishes a hierarchy of vessels regarding who must keep out of the way. Generally, a sailing vessel is categorized as being lower in this hierarchy than vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver, vessels engaged in fishing, and vessels not under command. However, in a crossing or overtaking situation between a sailing vessel and a **power-driven vessel**, Rule 12 (Sailing Vessels) and Rule 15 (Crossing Situation) state that the **power-driven vessel** must keep out of the way of the sailing vessel. Therefore, a sailing vessel is explicitly *not* required to keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel. **Explanation of why other options are incorrect (based on COLREGs Rule 18):** * **B) vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver:** This vessel is high in the hierarchy (above a sailing vessel). Rule 18(a)(ii) mandates that a sailing vessel must keep out of the way of a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver. * **C) vessel engaged in fishing:** This vessel is high in the hierarchy (above a sailing vessel). Rule 18(a)(iii) mandates that a sailing vessel must keep out of the way of a vessel engaged in fishing. * **D) vessel not under command:** This vessel is at the top of the hierarchy. Rule 18(a)(i) mandates that a sailing vessel must keep out of the way of a vessel not under command.