A vessel performing mine clearance while underway is described as restricted in her ability to maneuver.

• A. Sailing Vessel
• B. Constrained By Her Draft
• C. Restricted In Her Ability To Maneuver
• D. Not Under Command

Answer: (C)

A vessel performing mine clearance is restricted in her ability to maneuver because the nature of the work physically limits her ability to steer and make rapid changes in course or speed. Under the COLREGS definitions, this situation is described as being restricted in her ability to maneuver (RAM). The ongoing operations—such as divers in the water, swept paths, or equipment in use—mean she cannot maneuver as freely as a typical vessel, so she is classified accordingly and treated with that specific consideration by other vessels.

This is different from a vessel being Not Under Command, which would indicate a complete inability to maneuver due to an emergency or loss of steering, not simply because of the work she’s performing. It’s also different from being Constrained By Her Draft, which relates to limitations imposed by depth or draft rather than the nature of the vessel’s activities. A sailing vessel is a different category altogether and not relevant to this scenario.