What type of vessels are covered by the term 'vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre'?

The term 'vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre' refers to a category of ships that have limitations on their navigation capabilities due to specific operations they are performing. This definition encompasses various types of vessels, each of which can be constrained in their ability to move freely.

Vessels engaged in fishing operations may be limited by their methods of fishing, such as trawling or angling, which require them to be stationary or to maintain a specific orientation for effective operation. Similarly, vessels towing or pushing another vessel face physical constraints related to the additional weight and the dynamics of the tow, which can affect their handling and maneuverability.

Moreover, vessels engaged in underwater work, such as diving operations or cable laying, may have restrictions on their movement due to the nature of their tasks, which often require a stationary or carefully controlled position to ensure safety and effectiveness.

As such, all of these types of vessels—fishing vessels, towing vessels, and those conducting underwater work—share the characteristic of being restricted in their maneuverability, validating the answer that the term includes all of the described categories. This understanding highlights the importance of recognizing the operational constraints vessels may face and adhering to the COLREGs rules designed to enhance safety and navigation for all