Under the rules, which vessel must keep out of the way of a vessel not under command?

Under the rules, which vessel must keep out of the way of a vessel not under command?

• A. The sailing vessel
• B. The vessel underway and fishing
• C. The vessel not under command
• D. The vessel restricted in ability to maneuver

Answer: (B)

Not under command describes a vessel that cannot maneuver to comply with the collision regulations. Because it cannot alter course or speed to avoid others, every other vessel must take action to keep well clear and avoid a collision with it. In this scenario, the vessel that must keep out of the way is the underway and fishing vessel. A fishing vessel that is underway is a moving target with limited maneuverability, so it is expected to take early and decisive action to avoid a not‑under‑command vessel. The sailing vessel and the not‑under‑command vessel itself aren’t the ones required to maneuver in this specific crossing context, and the restricted‑in‑ability‑to‑maneuver vessel also has obligations, but the question emphasizes which vessel should actively avoid in this case—the underway and fishing vessel.

Not under command describes a vessel that cannot maneuver to comply with the collision regulations. Because it cannot alter course or speed to avoid others, every other vessel must take action to keep well clear and avoid a collision with it. In this scenario, the vessel that must keep out of the way is the underway and fishing vessel. A fishing vessel that is underway is a moving target with limited maneuverability, so it is expected to take early and decisive action to avoid a not‑under‑command vessel. The sailing vessel and the not‑under‑command vessel itself aren’t the ones required to maneuver in this specific crossing context, and the restricted‑in‑ability‑to‑maneuver vessel also has obligations, but the question emphasizes which vessel should actively avoid in this case—the underway and fishing vessel.