Master the Seas with the 2026 Able Bodied Seaman Rules of the Road Challenge!

A vessel not under command is one that cannot maneuver to avoid a collision due to an exceptional circumstance, such as engine or steering failure. Because it cannot take action to avoid another vessel, other traffic must keep clear and pass it at a safe distance. This is why the correct statement is that such a vessel cannot maneuver to avoid collision and must be given a wide berth.

The other ideas don’t fit for this description: a vessel that can maneuver to avoid collision isn’t not under command, a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver is a separate category with its own rules, and having priority over all traffic is not how collision avoidance works—all vessels must act to keep clear when necessary.