22.18 Responsibilities between vessels

Except where rules 22.9 (narrow channels), 22.10 (traffic separation schemes), and 22.13 (overtaking) require otherwise, the following rules apply—

(1) a power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of—

(a) a vessel not under command:

(b) a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre:

(c) a vessel engaged in fishing:

(d) a sailing vessel or a vessel under oars; and

(2) a sailing vessel underway must keep out of the way of—

(a) a vessel not under command:

(b) a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre:

(c) a vessel engaged in fishing; and

(3) a vessel engaged in fishing when underway must, so far as possible, keep out of the way of—

(a) a vessel not under command:

(b) a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre; and

(4) (a) any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre must, if the circumstances of the case allow, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by its draught exhibiting either or both of the following signals as prescribed in rule 22.28:

(i) three all-round red lights in a vertical line:

(ii) a black cylinder; and

(b) a vessel constrained by its draught must navigate with particular caution and have full regard to that special condition.

(5) A seaplane on the water must, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. However, if the risk of collision exists, the seaplane must comply with the rules of this section.

(6) A WIG craft when taking off, landing or in flight near the surface of the water, must keep well clear, and avoid impeding the navigation, of all other vessels.

(7) A WIG craft operating on the surface of the water, must comply with the provisions of this Section for a power-driven vessel.