Question 5 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for C ("the nature of her work"):** The definition of a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver" (RAM) is explicitly established in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 3(g). A key criterion for this designation is that the vessel, **by the nature of her work**, is unable to deviate from her course or speed, and therefore cannot keep out of the way of another vessel. Examples include vessels engaged in dredging, surveying, underwater operations, replenishment at sea, or launching/recovery of aircraft. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **A) her draft:** This refers to a "vessel constrained by her draft" (CBD), defined in Rule 3(h). While a CBD vessel is also unable to deviate from her course due to her draft and the available depth of water, this is a separate, distinct category from a RAM vessel (though both are privileged vessels under the rules). * **B) some exceptional circumstances:** This phrase is too vague and does not align with the specific operational definition of a RAM vessel. While the "circumstances" of her work lead to the restriction, the core reason cited in the rule is the **nature of the work** itself, not just "exceptional circumstances." * **D) a danger of navigation:** This describes a reason why a vessel might take emergency action or declare a state of distress, but it is not the standing, regulatory reason why a vessel is inherently defined as "restricted in her ability to maneuver" and thus excused from keeping out of the way under normal operational circumstances.