🔍 Key Concepts

• Rule 18 – Responsibilities Between Vessels (know the pecking order: which vessels have priority) • The definition and priority of a vessel not under command (NUC) vs. a vessel engaged in fishing • When a vessel is required to keep out of the way versus when she is limited in her ability to maneuver

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: In Rule 18’s hierarchy, does a vessel not under command rank above or below a vessel engaged in fishing? • If a vessel is not under command, what does that imply about its ability to maneuver to avoid collision compared to a fishing vessel? • Look at the wording in the Rules: which vessel is required to keep out of the way of the other in this specific pairing?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify from Rule 18 which vessel category has higher priority: NUC or fishing vessel. • Check whether the Rules ever say that both vessels must take avoiding action just because of their type, or if there is a clearly assigned give-way vessel. • Confirm whether there is any requirement in the Rules that these two specific vessel types must communicate by radiotelephone in such a situation.