How should a vessel engaged in fishing behave near a traffic lane?

A vessel engaged in fishing is subject to specific regulations when operating near traffic lanes to ensure the safety and efficiency of navigation. The correct response highlights a fundamental principle in the COLREGs: a vessel shall not impede the passage of any vessel following a traffic lane.

This rule is crucial because traffic lanes are often designated routes where ships are likely to travel at higher speeds, such as in busy shipping channels. Therefore, it is essential for fishing vessels to maintain awareness of their surroundings and to avoid obstructing these paths. By adhering to this principle, fishing vessels promote safer navigation for all users of the waterway and help to prevent potential collisions.

In contrast, impeding oncoming vessels or continuing to fish without regard to traffic can create hazardous situations. Signaling for assistance, while important in certain circumstances, does not address the fundamental duty of the fishing vessel to respect the navigation rights of others in a trafficked area. This is why understanding the obligation not to impede traffic is vital for safe maritime operations.