Question 1

Under the Rule 18 hierarchy, which vessel must a fishing vessel keep clear of?

Accepted Answer

Vessels not under command and vessels restricted in ability to manoeuvre. Under Rule 18(c), a vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of vessels not under command and vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre. Under Rule 18(d), she shall also, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught exhibiting the signals in Rule 28. This is not a simple ranking: avoiding impeding safe passage is distinct from keeping out of the way. Rule 18 applies except where Rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require.

Question 2

A vessel constrained by her draught is required under Rule 18(d)(ii) to:

Accepted Answer

Navigate with particular caution having full regard to her special condition. Rule 18(d)(ii) requires a vessel constrained by her draught to navigate with particular caution having full regard to her special condition. Under Rule 18(d)(i), vessels other than vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre must, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught exhibiting the signals in Rule 28. This does not confer blanket priority or exempt the draught-constrained vessel from other applicable COLREG requirements. Rule 18(c) concerns vessels engaged in fishing.

Question 3

Rule 18 does NOT apply to which situation?

Accepted Answer

Vessels in a narrow channel where Rule 9 applies. Rule 18 opens with: 'Except where Rules 9, 10 and 13 otherwise require'. In narrow channels (Rule 9), TSS (Rule 10), and overtaking (Rule 13), those specific rules take precedence over the general hierarchy in Rule 18. For example, in a narrow channel under Rule 9, a sailing vessel must not impede a large vessel, even though Rule 18 would normally give the sailing vessel priority over power-driven vessels.

Rule 18, questions and explanations

Under the Rule 18 hierarchy, which vessel must a fishing vessel keep clear of?

A vessel constrained by her draught is required under Rule 18(d)(ii) to:

Rule 18 does NOT apply to which situation?

Practise this properly

Rule 18, questions and explanations

Questions

Under the Rule 18 hierarchy, which vessel must a fishing vessel keep clear of?

A vessel constrained by her draught is required under Rule 18(d)(ii) to:

Rule 18 does NOT apply to which situation?

Practise this properly