Under Rule 18, which vessel has the highest priority when there is a risk of collision?

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Multiple Choice

Under Rule 18, which vessel has the highest priority when there is a risk of collision?

Explanation:
Not Under Command vessels cannot maneuver to avoid a collision due to engine or steering failure. Because they can’t take action to steer away or slow down, every other vessel must keep clear and take early, substantial action to avoid them. Rule 18 establishes that those unable to maneuver have the highest obligation on other vessels to prevent a collision, so the burden falls on the other traffic to adjust course or speed to stay well clear. In practice, if you see a Not Under Command vessel, you should anticipate that it cannot respond to avoid you and plan to give it a wide berth. The other options may have to give way in specific situations, but they do not carry the same universal obligation as a Not Under Command vessel to stay clear.

Not Under Command vessels cannot maneuver to avoid a collision due to engine or steering failure. Because they can’t take action to steer away or slow down, every other vessel must keep clear and take early, substantial action to avoid them. Rule 18 establishes that those unable to maneuver have the highest obligation on other vessels to prevent a collision, so the burden falls on the other traffic to adjust course or speed to stay well clear. In practice, if you see a Not Under Command vessel, you should anticipate that it cannot respond to avoid you and plan to give it a wide berth. The other options may have to give way in specific situations, but they do not carry the same universal obligation as a Not Under Command vessel to stay clear.

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