§2018. Responsibilities between vessels (Rule 18)

Except where Rules 9, 10, and 13 otherwise require:

(a) Power-driven vessels underway

A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;

(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;

(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing; and

(iv) a sailing vessel.

(b) Sailing vessels underway

A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command;

(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver; and

(iii) a vessel engaged in fishing.

(c) Vessels engaged in fishing when underway

A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:

(i) a vessel not under command; and

(ii) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

(d) Seaplanes on the water

A seaplane on the water shall, in general, keep well clear of all vessels and avoid impeding their navigation. In circumstances, however, where risk of collision exists, she shall comply with the Rules of this Part.

( Pub. L. 96–591, §2, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3422 .)

References in Text

Rules 9, 10, and 13, referred to in text, are classified to sections 2009, 2010, and 2013, respectively, of this title.

Rules of this Part, referred to in par. (d), mean sections 2004 to 2019 of this title.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of section 2 of Pub. L. 96–591 which enacted the Inland Navigational Rules which comprise this subchapter.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 2011, 2013 of this title.