How is a vessel transferring cargo while underway classified under the Rules?

• A. A Sailing Vessel
• B. Restricted in Her Ability to Maneuver
• C. Not Under Command
• D. Constrained by Her Draft

Answer: (B)

When a vessel is transferring cargo while underway, she is considered restricted in her ability to maneuver. The cargo transfer operation—using lines, hoses, cranes, and crew positioning on deck—limits how quickly and how sharply she can change course or speed, which is exactly the situation this rule covers. Other vessels must recognize this limitation and take early, substantial action to avoid a collision, giving her a wide margin and avoiding interference with the operation. This is different from a vessel not under command, which is due to an actual inability to maneuver at all, or a vessel constrained by her draft, which is a physical depth-related restriction. A sailing vessel is simply a different category and not the scenario here.