Rule 18 sub part e, of the open water Collision Regulations (col regs) apply here. It sort of common sense. Logic and col regs dictates that the less manueverable craft should have the right-of-way.
A vessel towing anything will have ultimate right of way. Sail boats and unpowered craft come next on the food chain. Then there are power boats. Howerver a sea-plane is less maneuvarable than a power boat/do not have reverse, limited steering on water. Unless the sea-plane has an open commercial lane, here is Col Reg 18 with part (e):
Not true at all. Seaplane has to give way to a sailboat. Also vessels engaged in towing have to give way to sailboats UNLESS they are displaying shapes/lights for "restricted in ability to maneuver." They are only restricted in ability to maneuver if they are displaying the shapes/lights.
I do agree about common sense though! Sailboats generally can get out of the way and should do so. Also changes when navigating VTS lanes.
