Why power vessels yield to actively fishing vessels under COLREGs.

Title: Who Yields When a Fishing Vessel Is At Work? A Practical Look at COLREGs

Picture this: you’re gliding through a quiet patch of water, a breeze in your face, and then you spot a fishing vessel in the distance, nets or lines trailing behind it. The waters feel calm, but the situation calls for quick thinking. The rules that guide ships at sea—COLREGs, the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea—are like a set of road signs for the water. They’re there to keep everyone safe, predictable, and out of each other’s way. Let me explain how one common scenario plays out: which vessel must give way when encountering a fishing vessel that’s actively fishing?

A quick refresher: give way vs. stand on

Before we dive into the specifics, it helps to keep two phrases handy. “Give way” means alter course or slow down to avoid a collision. “Stand on” means keep your current course and speed, assuming the other vessel will do the same. In many traffic-heavy situations, some vessels are designated as stand-on vessels, but there are plenty of cases where the other party must yield to keep things safe.

Actively fishing vessels: what that means

When a fishing vessel is actively engaged in fishing, it’s not just cruising along. Nets are out, lines are being tended, or gear is deployed. That activity can limit maneuverability. The boat may need to keep a certain line or area clear of other traffic to work effectively, and sudden course changes could endanger gear or crew. In practice, this gives other vessels a responsibility to maneuver with care and, when necessary, give way to the fishing vessel.

The “correct” answer in most typical discussions

In the scenario you’re likely studying, the question is: which vessel must give way when encountering a fishing vessel that is actively fishing? The commonly cited answer is: a power vessel should give way. Here’s why that makes sense in the larger scheme of COLREGs and practical seamanship:

• The fishing vessel’s operations can limit maneuverability. If a vessel is deploying nets or tending lines, it may not be able to turn quickly or alter its course as freely as a motorized craft with a clean deck and more flexible helm.

• A power-driven vessel — in other words, a vessel that’s propelled by an engine and traveling by power rather than sail — is usually expected to take a proactive role in avoiding risk when a nearby fishing operation is underway. This doesn’t mean the fishing vessel simply has free rein; rather, it reflects a general habit in close quarters where speed and maneuverability are factors one must weigh carefully.

• It’s worth noting that there are exceptions. Not under command, which is a vessel that cannot maneuver due to some disability, and a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver (for example, dredging or underwater operations) carry their own rules. A sailing vessel—while it has its own set of considerations under COLREGs—may be obligated to yield in different circumstances. The core idea is that actively fishing vessels often create a scenario where other traffic reduces speed or alters course to avoid interfering with the fishing operation.

Let me explain the nuance with a practical view

Think of it like driving through a work zone on a highway. A truck crew is laying down road work—clearly they need space and time to operate. You don’t just barge through; you slow down, assess your options, and let the work crew finish what they’re doing. The fishing vessel is doing the water-based version of that work. It’s not a simple straight-ahead journey; it’s a process with gear, lines, and possibly nets spread across a working area. The safe move, most of the time, is to let the fishing vessel finish or adjust its operation without adding turbulence to the gear.

What about the other vessel types in the mix?

The scenario you asked about includes four vessel types: power vessels, not under command, sailing vessels, and vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver. Each has their own role in the rules, and understanding their general responsibilities helps keep things clear.

• Power vessel: As noted, these vessels are typically expected to give way to actively fishing vessels in certain situations because the fishing operation can constrict maneuverability. This doesn’t mean a power vessel should be reckless; it means giving space and time to the fishing operation is the prudent move.

• Not under command: This is the boat that can’t maneuver due to a disability or emergency. It’s in a dangerous category in many situations because it may drift or follow limited motion. Other vessels must take extra care to avoid it.

• Sailing vessel: A sailing vessel has its own rules, especially in light winds or when it’s navigating with the sail set and engine off. It may be a stand-on vessel in some scenarios, but it’s not automatically shielded from taking action if another craft’s behavior threatens collision risk.

• Restricted in ability to maneuver: This includes vessels that can’t easily alter course (like dredges or other workboats with gear deployed). They have priority in many contexts but still require other traffic to respect their movements and limits.

Let’s connect the dots with a real-world feel

Imagine you’re on a small coastal route where a trawler is working off the starboard side. You’re in a motorboat, moving at a comfortable pace, and you spot the nets being laid out. The operator needs room to maneuver around gear, and a sudden zigzag could snag the nets or put crew at risk. In that moment, giving way to the fishing vessel—allowing it to complete its setup or pass safely—feels like the responsible choice. You’re not letting your boat be assertive or aggressive; you’re simply acknowledging the practical realities of operating near active gear.

A few practical tips for staying safe on the water

• Keep a lookout with open, attentive eyes. Gear and nets can lie low in the water and aren’t always visible at a distance.

• Slow down when you see signs of fishing activity. A slower pace buys you time to react if a vessel points toward you or if gear is being deployed near your path.

• Use sound and light signals where appropriate. A short blast or a simple radio call can clear up ambiguity and prevent surprises.

• Maintain a safe distance. The precise distance depends on weather, visibility, and traffic, but the rule of thumb is: give space for the fishing operation to move and for any gear to be recovered safely.

• Communicate when you can. If you’re unsure of another vessel’s intentions, a quick VHF call can help synchronize movements and reduce risk of a close encounter.

A broader sense of safety on the water

COLREGs aren’t just a checklist; they’re a framework for shared responsibility. The sea is a common stage where many players — different vessel types, weather conditions, and human factors — come together. The goal is not for one vessel to win a tense standoff but for all to reach a safe outcome with clear expectations. When you’re out there, you’re not just piloting a boat; you’re part of a system designed to protect life, cargo, and the environment.

A gentle reminder about the rules

The nuance matters. If you’re ever uncertain, default to caution. When you’re close to fishing activity, reduce speed, make your intentions clear, and give the working vessel the space it needs. It’s a simple habit that pays off in smooth navigation, fewer near-misses, and less stress on everyone onboard.

Bringing it back to the point

So, to circle back to the question that sparked this reflection: in the encounter described, the power vessel is typically the one expected to give way to a fishing vessel that is actively fishing. It’s a practical application of the COLREGs that emphasizes safety and respect for working vessels. It’s not about who has the bigger boat or the faster engine; it’s about recognizing when a crew needs room to operate and taking responsible action to ensure a safe crossing.

A final thought, because the sea has a way of humbling us

Every time you head out, you’re weaving together skill, judgment, and a touch of humility. The rules aren’t there to confine you but to guide you toward safer passages. When a fisherman is at work, it’s fair to bend the course a touch, ease the speed, and let the routine of the day carry on without interference. That small choice? It’s the everyday act that keeps people safe on the water.

If you’d like, I can walk you through more scenarios that illustrate how the different vessel types interact under the COLREGs. It’s a dynamic system, and a handful of real-world examples can help you feel confident when you’re out on the water.