Question 4

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 deviate from her course and speed. More importantly, Rule 18 (Responsibilities between vessels) explicitly lists the hierarchy of privilege. A vessel RAM sits above all maneuvering vessels (sailing vessels, power-driven vessels) and vessels engaged in fishing, making her the most privileged vessel that, by definition, is **unable to keep out of the way** of a maneuvering vessel because doing so would endanger her work (e.g., dredging, laying cables, flight operations, etc.). **Why the other options are incorrect:** A) **Vessel towing:** A vessel engaged in towing (a power-driven vessel with a tow) is a maneuvering vessel. While she may have some difficulty maneuvering, she is still required by COLREGs Rule 18 to keep out of the way of vessels not under command and vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver. C) **Vessel engaged in fishing:** A vessel engaged in fishing (trawling, netting, etc.) is a privileged vessel compared to an ordinary power-driven vessel or a sailing vessel (Rule 18). However, she is still required to keep clear of a vessel not under command (NUC) and a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (RAM). Thus, she is able to keep out of the way of certain vessels. D) **Sailing vessel:** A sailing vessel is a maneuvering vessel and is generally high on the hierarchy of vessels required to keep out of the way. She must keep out of the way of vessels NUC, vessels RAM, and vessels engaged in fishing (Rule 18). Therefore, she is certainly able to keep out of the way of other vessels.