Under the rules, a vessel underway and fishing must keep out of the way of which vessel?

• A. Vessel not under command
• B. Sailing vessel
• C. Fishing vessel
• D. Power-driven vessel

Answer: (A)

In collision rules, vessels that cannot maneuver as required by the rules are the ones others must keep clear of. A vessel not under command is such a vessel: it cannot take evasive action to avoid a collision. So, if you’re a vessel underway and fishing, you must keep out of the way of a vessel not under command because that vessel might not be able to steer or slow down to avoid you.

Why the others aren’t the default to avoid: a sailing vessel or a power-driven vessel can still maneuver to some extent, and a fishing vessel is not inherently unable to maneuver. The rule specifically prioritizes avoiding the not under command vessel due to its limited or nonexistent ability to comply with collision-avoidance requirements.