What is the requirement of Rule 38 regarding vessels engaged in fishing?

Rule 38 of the COLREGs specifically addresses the requirements for vessels engaged in fishing, particularly those using gear that restricts their ability to maneuver. According to this rule, such vessels are required to display appropriate lights and shapes to ensure that they are visible to others on the water.

Vessels engaged in fishing must display specific day shapes (like two conical shapes, one above the other) during daylight hours and must also exhibit the correct navigational lights at night. This is critical for maintaining safe navigation and preventing collisions because it informs other mariners of their operational status—specifically that they are engaged in fishing and may not be able to maneuver as easily as other vessels.

The other choices, while they may touch on aspects of maritime practice, do not specifically align with the stipulations of Rule 38. For instance, while all vessels should maintain a lookout and avoid colliding with each other when possible, Rule 38 focuses instead on the visibility and signaling of fishing vessels rather than any blanket avoidance of other vessels.