A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of which type of vessel?

A power-driven vessel underway is required to keep out of the way of several types of vessels, including sailing vessels, fishing vessels, and tugboats. This requirement is rooted in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, also known as the COLREGs, which establish navigational rules that promote safety and prevent collisions between vessels.

Sailing vessels have limited maneuverability compared to power-driven vessels, especially when under sail alone, which makes it essential for power-driven vessels to give way to them to prevent accidents. Fishing vessels, particularly those engaged in fishing activities, may be restricted in their ability to maneuver due to their gear and operations and therefore require power-driven vessels to maintain a safe distance. Tugboats, while typically under power, are often towing or pushing other vessels, rendering them less maneuverable and necessitating that power-driven vessels yield to them.

By recognizing that all of these vessel types have circumstances that justify the need for power-driven vessels to keep clear, it is clear why the correct answer encompasses all of these categories. Power-driven vessels play a vital role in ensuring the safety and proper navigation of these other vessel types by adhering to the give-way requirements established in maritime law.