Question 4 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is B ### Explanation for Option B (Correct) **B) Vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (RAM/VRAM)** The correct answer is B because the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the Inland Rules define a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (Rule 3(g)) as a vessel which, from the nature of her work, is **unable to deviate from her course and speed** as required by these Rules. Because the vessel is *by definition* unable to safely alter her course or speed due to the constraints of the work she is performing (e.g., dredging, surveying, launching aircraft, minesweeping), she is placed at the top of the hierarchy of responsibility (Rule 18) and must be kept clear of by nearly all other vessels. ### Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect) **A) Vessel towing (Incorrect)** A vessel engaged in towing is capable of keeping out of the way of another vessel and is responsible for doing so if she is the designated give-way vessel (e.g., in a crossing situation or if encountering a vessel Not Under Command or Restricted in Her Ability to Maneuver). Unless the tow severely restricts her movement to the point where she is formally designated RAM, she retains her full maneuvering obligations. **C) Vessel engaged in fishing (Incorrect)** A vessel engaged in fishing is indeed restricted by her fishing gear (nets, lines, trawls). However, she is still obligated to keep out of the way of a vessel Not Under Command (NUC) and a vessel Restricted in Her Ability to Maneuver (RAM). Therefore, she is *not* defined as unable to keep out of the way of *all* other vessels. **D) Sailing vessel (Incorrect)** A sailing vessel is considered highly maneuverable. She is obligated to keep out of the way of both NUC vessels and RAM vessels. Furthermore, she must adhere to sailing rules (Rule 12) when encountering other sailing vessels, meaning she frequently must take action to avoid collision. She is clearly able to maneuver.