What does 'vessel constrained by her draught' mean?

A vessel constrained by her draught refers to a situation where the vessel's draft (the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull) limits its ability to maneuver effectively in water. This typically occurs in scenarios where the water is too shallow for the vessel to navigate safely without risking grounding. The term emphasizes that the vessel is not merely limited by the environmental conditions but is specifically restricted in its operations because of how deeply it sits in the water.

When a vessel is described this way, it is often unable to change its course or speed easily due to its physical characteristics, which can pose challenges when attempting to navigate in tight spaces or in shallow waters. The concept of constrained maneuverability directly pertains to how draught impacts operational decisions, making it essential for mariners to understand this limitation for safe navigation.

In contrast, the other options, while related to the vessel’s operational capabilities, do not accurately capture the meaning of "constrained by her draught" in maritime terms. They speak more broadly about general navigational issues or specific situations rather than the inherent limitations imposed by the vessel's draft.