Under International Rules, which vessel must keep out of the way of all others listed: vessel constrained by draft, vessel restricted in ability to maneuver, vessel pushing a barge, or vessel engaged in fishing?

• A. A vessel pushing a barge
• B. A vessel constrained by draft
• C. A vessel restricted in ability to maneuver
• D. A vessel engaged in fishing

Answer: (A)

The situation relies on how maneuverability is affected in towing/pushing arrangements. When a vessel is pushing a barge, the barge is unpowered and cannot steer to avoid danger, and the pushing vessel’s movement is constrained by the tow. Because the towed barge cannot take action to avoid other traffic, the towing vessel bears the responsibility to take early and substantial action to keep clear of all other vessels. That’s why the vessel pushing a barge is the one that must keep out of the way of all others.

In other scenarios, vessels constrained by draft, restricted in ability to maneuver, or fishing have their own considerations, but the pulling/pushing situation specifically assigns the obligation to the pushing vessel to avoid others.