Question 489 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) the nature of her work. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), a vessel is considered "restricted in her ability to maneuver" if, by the nature of her work, she is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. This includes vessels engaged in activities such as dredging, underwater operations, replenishment, or launching and recovering aircraft. The nature of their work prevents them from readily changing course or speed to avoid collision, making them unable to keep out of the way of other vessels. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the definition of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver. Option A) refers to exceptional circumstances, which is not the primary reason for a vessel being restricted in her ability to maneuver. Options C) and D) do not specifically address the nature of the vessel's work as the defining factor.