USCG Exam PracticeRule 18 — Responsibilities Between Vessels
A power-driven vessel is underway on inland waters. She observes a vessel ahead that is engaged in dredging operations and is unable to deviate from her work area. Under Inland Rules 3 and 18, which statement correctly describes the power-driven vessel's obligation?
- A. The power-driven vessel is the stand-on vessel because she is power-driven and the dredge is stationary.
- ✓ The power-driven vessel must keep out of the way because a dredge engaged in underwater operations qualifies as a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.Correct
- C. The power-driven vessel must keep out of the way only if the dredge displays a vessel-not-under-command signal.
- D. The power-driven vessel and the dredge share equal responsibility to maneuver because both are power-driven.
Why B is correct
33 CFR §83.03(g)(ii) includes a vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations in the definition of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (RAM). Under §83.18(a)(ii), a power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of a RAM vessel. The dredge need not display NUC signals; its RAM status arises from the nature of its work, not an exceptional circumstance.