What is a power-driven vessel?

A power-driven vessel is defined as any vessel that uses an engine for propulsion. This definition encompasses a wide variety of vessels, including but not limited to cargo ships, fishing boats, and recreational boats that rely on engines instead of sails or other means of propulsion.

This classification is essential in maritime navigation and safety, as the term "power-driven vessel" is used throughout the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) to establish the responsibilities of vessels when encountering one another on the water. Understanding the distinction between power-driven vessels and those that rely solely on wind or other forms of propulsion is crucial for determining right of way, signaling intentions, and following the rules.

The other choices do not meet the broader definition laid out in the maritime regulations. For instance, a vessel sailing with the wind only would be classified as a sailing vessel and would not fall under the category of power-driven vessels. Similarly, not all power-driven vessels are large or commercial; there are many smaller vessels equipped with engines that also fit this definition. Lastly, the focus on vessels designed solely for commercial fishing limits the classification to a specific subset and does not account for the broader range of power-driven vessels in operation.