Vessels Not Under Command
A vessel not under command, per Rule 3, is defined as: a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. You may become a vessel not under command in the following circumstances:
- A wheelman is incapacitated.
- You loose power
- You loose steerage
Typically you would think that a loss of steerage would be considered restricted in ability to maneuver. However to fall under restricted in ability to maneuver it has to be by the nature of your work, not exceptional circumstances.
Vessels not under command shall display:
Two all around red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen (red over red the Captain is Dead) - Two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen
- When making way through the water, in addition to the above, sidelight and a sternlight.
In restricted visibility a vessel not under command shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes, three short blasts in succession, one prolonged followed by two short blasts.
Nav Questions
1. BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.......The NAVIGATION RULES define a "vessel not under command" as a vessel which __________.
a. from the nature of her work is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel
b. through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by the rules
c. by taking action contrary to the rules has created a special circumstance situation
d. is moored, aground or anchored in a fairway
2. BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....... Your vessel is NOT making way, but is not in any way disabled. Another vessel is approaching you on your starboard beam. Which statement is TRUE?
a. The other vessel must give way since your vessel is stopped.
b. Your vessel is the give-way vessel in a crossing situation.
c. You should be showing the lights or shapes for a vessel not under command.
d. You should be showing the lights or shapes for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
3. BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.......A vessel will NOT show sidelights when __________.
a. underway but not making way
b. making way, not under command
c. not under command, not making way
d. trolling underway
4. BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.......Which vessel would have no white lights visible when meeting her head-on?
a. A vessel trawling
b. A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
c. A vessel mineclearing
d. A vessel not under command
5. BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.......A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a __________.
a. vessel not under command
b. vessel engaged in fishing
c. sailing vessel
d. All of the above
6. BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND.......A vessel not under command making way at night would show __________.
a. two all-round red lights in a vertical line
b. anchor lights and sidelights
c. two all-round white lights in a vertical line, sidelights and a stern light
d. two all-round red lights in a vertical line, sidelights, and a stern light
Tylere is our new Purchasing Assistant. Her family has been in the tank barge industry for 30 years. 
