Question 5 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (Correct Answer):** Option C, "the nature of her work," is the defining characteristic specified in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 3(g), which defines a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver" (RAM). A vessel is considered RAM if, by the **nature of her work**, she is constrained from being able to maneuver as required by the rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. Examples of such work include laying or picking up submarine cables, dredging, surveying, launching or recovering aircraft, or mine clearance operations. The inability to keep out of the way stems directly from the ongoing operational activity. **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** * **A) her draft:** This option describes a "vessel constrained by her draft" (CBD), defined in Rule 3(h). While a CBD vessel is also restricted in maneuverability, the *reason* for the restriction is her specific draft relative to the available water depth, not the "nature of her work." A RAM vessel is defined by the work she is performing. * **B) some exceptional circumstances:** This phrase is too vague and does not align with the specific definition of a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver." While operational circumstances exist, the COLREGs specifically attributes the restriction to the "nature of her work." * **D) a danger of navigation:** This describes a situation (a hazard) that might lead any vessel, regardless of its operational status, to take action (such as an action taken to avoid collision or grounding). It is not the foundational reason why a vessel is legally classified as "restricted in her ability to maneuver" under the COLREGs definition.