A vessel sights a fishing vessel ahead displaying trawling shapes/lights, with gear evidently deployed. From a collision-avoidance standpoint, what should the approaching vessel bear in mind about the fishing vessel's likely manoeuvring options?

A. The approaching vessel has no obligation to consider the fishing vessel's gear status at all

B. Fishing vessels are required to immediately slip their gear whenever another vessel approaches

C. A vessel with gear deployed has significantly restricted ability to alter course or speed quickly without risking gear loss, fouling, or a stability event — the approaching vessel should give way in good time and with a generous margin, rather than expecting the fishing vessel to manoeuvre freely

D. A trawling vessel can manoeuvre exactly as freely as a vessel with no gear deployed

A. Only vessels actively trawling; vessels using static gear like pots or lines are excluded entirely

B. Any vessel licensed for commercial fishing, whether gear is in use or not

C. Any vessel carrying fishing gear of any kind, regardless of whether it is currently deployed

D. Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing apparatus that RESTRICTS HER MANOEUVRABILITY — a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other gear that does not restrict manoeuvrability is NOT "engaged in fishing" for Rule purposes

A. A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a vessel engaged in fishing — fishing vessels rank above ordinary power-driven and sailing vessels, but below vessels not under command, restricted in their ability to manoeuvre, and (depending on circumstances) vessels constrained by draught

B. Fishing vessels have no special standing under Rule 18 and are treated as ordinary power-driven vessels

C. A fishing vessel must always give way to a power-driven vessel underway, regardless of gear deployment

D. Fishing vessels rank above all other vessel categories with no exceptions