Which statement correctly identifies a vessel that is 'restricted in her ability to maneuver'?

• A. A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
• B. A vessel underway
• C. A vessel engaged in fishing
• D. A power-driven vessel

Answer: (A)

A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver is a vessel that, because of the nature of her work, cannot maneuver as freely as other vessels. This status is exactly what the term RAM describes in the rules of the road, and it signals that other vessels must take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

The statement in the options that literally says “A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver” matches this definition directly, making it the best choice. The other options describe general conditions or vessel types (underway, fishing, power-driven) but do not indicate the restricted-maneuver condition that RAM denotes. In practice, when a RAM vessel is present, other vessels are expected to keep clear and avoid the RAM vessel as much as possible.