If a fishing vessel approaches a vessel not under command, which vessel must keep clear?

• A. The fishing vessel
• B. The vessel not under command
• C. Both must keep clear
• D. Neither; maintain course

Answer: (A)

A vessel not under command cannot maneuver to avoid a collision, so the obligation to keep clear falls on every other vessel. In this scenario, the fishing vessel is the one that can take action to avoid the not‑under‑command vessel. It should reduce speed or alter course promptly to pass well clear, since relying on the not‑under‑command vessel to move is not feasible. Maintaining course toward a vessel that cannot maneuver would create a risk of collision, so it’s appropriate for the maneuvering vessel to steer clear. The options suggesting that the not‑under‑command vessel should keep clear or that neither should do so don’t align with the safety principle that others must avoid a vessel that cannot maneuver.