Under International Rules, which vessel shall avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft?

• A. A sailing vessel
• B. A power-driven vessel
• C. A vessel not under command
• D. A vessel constrained by her draft

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that a vessel constrained by her draft has restricted ability to maneuver and is given the right of way to pass safely. Other vessels must not impede her passage if it can be done safely. A sailing vessel, being typically slower to maneuver and less able to alter course quickly, should take action to keep clear and avoid blocking the constrained-draft vessel’s safe passage. The constrained-draft vessel itself has priority, and a vessel not under command describes a situation where the other vessels still must avoid impeding, but the example that best illustrates the obligation to yield and keep clear in this scenario is the sailing vessel.