USCG Exam PracticeRule 18 — Responsibilities Between Vessels
A sailing vessel underway on inland waters encounters, in sight, a vessel engaged in a towing operation that severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course. Under Inland Rules 3 and 18, which statement is correct?
- A. The sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel because sailing vessels have privilege over all towing vessels under Rule 18
- B. The towing vessel is treated as a vessel not under command, giving it the highest privilege in the Rule 18 hierarchy
- ✓ The sailing vessel must keep out of the way of the towing vessel, which qualifies as a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuverCorrect
- D. Both vessels are equally burdened and must take action to avoid collision under Rule 8
Why C is correct
33 CFR §83.03(g)(vi) includes a vessel engaged in a towing operation that severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course within the definition of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver. Under §83.18(b)(ii), a sailing vessel underway must keep out of the way of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver. The sailing vessel therefore bears the give-way obligation in this encounter.