On open waters, which vessel must keep out of the way of a sailing vessel?

On open waters, which vessel must keep out of the way of a sailing vessel?

• A. Power-driven vessel must keep out of the way of a sailing vessel
• B. Sailing vessel must keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel
• C. Vessel not under command must keep out of the way of a sailing vessel
• D. Fishing vessel must keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel

Answer: (A)

Sailing vessels have the right of way over power-driven vessels. Because of that, when a sailing vessel and a power-driven vessel are on a collision course, the power-driven vessel is the one that must keep out of the way, taking early and substantial action to avoid the sailing vessel. The sailing vessel can keep its course and speed, relying on the other vessel to give way. The other choices would apply only in specific, unusual situations (like a vessel not under command or a fishing vessel) and don’t reflect the general rule shown here. Hence, the power-driven vessel must yield to the sailing vessel.

Sailing vessels have the right of way over power-driven vessels. Because of that, when a sailing vessel and a power-driven vessel are on a collision course, the power-driven vessel is the one that must keep out of the way, taking early and substantial action to avoid the sailing vessel. The sailing vessel can keep its course and speed, relying on the other vessel to give way. The other choices would apply only in specific, unusual situations (like a vessel not under command or a fishing vessel) and don’t reflect the general rule shown here. Hence, the power-driven vessel must yield to the sailing vessel.