Can a vessel's priority be determined solely by its type (sailing vs power) under COLREGs?

• A. No; priority is determined by collision risk and the Rules, not solely by vessel type.
• B. Yes, sailing vessels have priority.
• C. Power-driven vessels always have priority.
• D. Priority is determined by vessel speed.

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that priority under COLREGs comes from the situation and the rules for avoiding collision, not from what the vessel is (sailing or power). The regulations require every vessel to assess risk of collision and take appropriate action. There are specific give-way and stand-on roles, but which vessel has to yield is determined by how the other vessel is approaching and whether there is danger of collision, not simply by whether a vessel is sailing or powered.

In practice, you apply the rules for crossing, head-on, or overtaking situations. The rules set out which vessel should take early and substantial action and which should maintain its course and speed, but those determinations are based on geometry, bearing, speed, and maneuverability, not on vessel type. A sailing vessel does not automatically have priority over a power-driven vessel, nor vice versa. If a collision risk exists, the appropriate action (either staying on course or giving way) is taken according to the rules, regardless of whether the vessel is sailing or power-driven.

If you think of it in terms of collision risk assessment, you can see why the correct statement is that priority is determined by collision risk and the Rules, not solely by vessel type. The other options imply blanket advantages based on being sailing or power, or on speed, which the COLREGs do not support.