Rule 18. Responsibilities between vessels.

Rule 18. Responsibilities between vessels.


Responsibilities between vessels
Except in narrow channels, traffic separation schemes, and when overtaking (i.e. rules 9, 10, and 13)

A power-driven vessel must give way to:
a vessel not under command;
a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (this may include vessels towing one another.
a vessel engaged in fishing;
a sailing vessel.
A sailing vessel must give way to:
a vessel not under command;
a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;
a vessel engaged in fishing.
A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:
a vessel not under command;
a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre shall, if possible, not impede the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.
A vessel constrained by her draft shall navigate with particular caution having full regard to her special condition.



(Q) If you are in a power-driven vessel, there are 6 vessels that you should give way to, name them?
(a) A power-driven vessel on your starboard bow.
(b) A sailing vessel
(c) A fishing vessel
(d) A vessel not under command
(e) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
(f) If the circumstances of the case admit, a vessel constrained by her draught.

(Q) If you are in a fishing vessel, then you have to give way to 4 vessels, name them?
(a) A fishing vessel on your starboard bow
(b) A vessel not under command
(c) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
(d) If the circumstances of the case admit, a vessel constrained by her draught.

(Q) If you're in a power-driven vessel, or fishing vessel, would you stand-on or give way to a vessel constrained by her draught?
(a) Your best to Give way to a vessel constrained by her draught.

(Q) Is there any rule that says you should try to avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught?
(a) Yes, Rule 18d part (1) says any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, shall if the circumstances of the case admit avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draught.

(Q) Usually what type of vessel would a vessel constrained by her draught be?
(a) Very large supertanker carrying crude oil.

(Q) So what would happen if you stood-on to a vessel constrained by her draught?
(a) She could easily go aground and tear the bottom out of her hull, causing a major ecological disaster, killing all seabirds, covering the coastline with oil, pollution at its worst.