BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In open waters, a vessel fishing is in a crossing situation with a vessel sailing. The sailing vessel is located on the fishing vessel's starboard side. Which vessel is the stand-on vessel?

Correct Answer: Option A — The fishing vessel because it is fishing.

Rule 18(a)(iii) establishes that a vessel engaged in fishing is generally the stand-on vessel over a sailing vessel in a crossing situation. While Rule 18(d) provides exceptions for vessels not to impede, the fishing vessel maintains priority over the sailing vessel under the hierarchy of Rule 18.