Which vessel shall avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft?

• A. A fishing vessel
• B. A sailing vessel
• C. A dredging vessel
• D. A power-driven vessel

Answer: (A)

In COLREGS, a vessel that is constrained by her draft has limited ability to maneuver. Because of that constraint, other vessels must take action to avoid impeding her safe passage and should give way or steer early to keep clear.

The fishing vessel is the best answer here because fishing operations often involve gear that extends from the vessel and ongoing activities that limit quick changes in course or speed. This makes it especially important for other vessels to avoid crossing its path and to keep well clear, ensuring the constrained vessel can maneuver as needed without additional risk. The other vessel types can, in many situations, alter course or speed with less impact from their operations, so the emphasis of this rule is most clearly applied to the fishing vessel in this context.