Question 4 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is B A **Vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (RAM)** is defined in Rule 3(g) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) as a vessel that, from the nature of her work, is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. This status is granted to vessels performing specific duties (such as dredging, surveying, launching aircraft, etc.) that inherently limit their ability to maneuver or change course quickly. Because they are legally unable to avoid the collision risk due to their operational constraints, they are given a high priority in the hierarchy of vessels in the COLREGs (Rule 18) and are required to display specific lights and shapes. Here is why the other options are incorrect: **A) Vessel towing:** A vessel towing is generally required to keep out of the way of most other vessels. While a long or unwieldy tow may make maneuvering difficult, Rule 27 specifically states that a towing vessel is *not* considered "restricted in her ability to maneuver" unless she is explicitly engaged in an operation listed in Rule 3(g) (e.g., a towing vessel that is also dredging). Thus, by default, a vessel towing is generally **able** to keep out of the way. **C) Vessel engaged in fishing:** A vessel engaged in fishing is a privileged vessel in relation to power-driven vessels, but Rule 18 mandates that she *shall* keep out of the way of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (B) and a vessel not under command. Therefore, a fishing vessel is generally **able** to keep out of the way of other vessels that rank lower than her in the hierarchy. **D) Sailing vessel:** A sailing vessel is generally a privileged vessel compared to power-driven vessels, but she is still fully capable of changing course and speed. Rule 12 and Rule 18 require a sailing vessel to keep out of the way of vessels not under command (NUC), vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver (RAM), and vessels engaged in fishing. Therefore, a sailing vessel is **able** to keep out of the way.