What is one of the obligations of vessels under Rule 18 concerning CBD?

Under Rule 18 of the COLREGs, vessels are required to avoid impeding the safe passage of vessels that can only navigate safely in certain areas. This applies particularly to vessels engaged in fishing, vessels constrained by their draft, and vessels that are restricted in their ability to maneuver. By ensuring they do not obstruct these vessels, they uphold the regulations that promote safety and prevent collisions at sea.

This obligation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the navigational constraints of certain types of vessels and acting in a way that preserves their ability to navigate safely. This is crucial because failure to comply with this obligation could lead to dangerous situations, such as collisions or groundings, particularly in narrow channels or congested waters where navigation is already challenging.