If a vessel is propelled both by sail and by engines, under the Rules the vessel is considered what?

• A. A sailing vessel
• B. A vessel not under command
• C. A power-driven vessel
• D. A vessel engaged in fishing

Answer: (C)

Using machinery for propulsion makes a vessel a power-driven vessel, even if sails are also being used. A sailing vessel is defined as one under sail and not using any mechanical propulsion, so once the engines are involved, the vessel falls under the power-driven category. This classification matters because the collision-avoidance rules apply to power-driven vessels as the standard for determining right-of-way and required actions. The other descriptions don’t fit here because a vessel that uses engines isn’t simply sailing, and “not under command” or “fishing” refer to different situations or activities rather than propulsion type.