Which statement is TRUE concerning a towing vessel which, due to the nature of her work, is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel?

• A. By day, she would show the same shapes as a fishing vessel
• B. By day, she would show the same shapes as a vessel not restricted
• C. By day, she would show the same shapes as a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
• D. By day, she would show the same shapes as a sailing vessel

Answer: (C)

A towing vessel that cannot keep out of the way is treated as restricted in its ability to maneuver (RAM). To communicate this at daytime, such a vessel shows the day shapes of three marks in a vertical line: a ball, a diamond, and a ball. This distinctive arrangement signals to other vessels that the RAM vessel may not be able to maneuver to avoid a collision, so other vessels must take early and decisive action to keep clear. The other day shapes correspond to different vessel types (fishing, sailing, or a vessel not restricted), so they do not apply to a towing vessel limited by its work. Therefore, the statement that by day she would show the same shapes as a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver is the correct one.