You are crossing a narrow channel in an 18-meter tug when you sight a loaded tankship off your port bow coming up the channel. Which statement is correct?

When navigating a narrow channel, the fundamental principle is based on the safe passage of larger vessels, particularly when a tug is involved. In this scenario, the tug is significantly smaller than the loaded tankship, which gives the tankship the right of way under the Rules of the Road, specifically the Colregs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea).

The correct statement emphasizes that you cannot impede the safe passage of the tankship. Larger vessels, like a loaded tankship, typically have greater maneuverability challenges and need to maintain their course and speed to navigate safely through the channel. Therefore, the tug must yield to the tankship to ensure that it can transit without obstruction or risk of collision.

This understanding is crucial for safe maritime navigation, particularly in constrained areas like narrow channels where space and maneuvering options are limited. Keeping the right of way in mind helps in preventing encounters and ensures that all vessels can operate safely within the channel.