Which of the following vessels should avoid impeding a vessel constrained by her draught?

When addressing which vessels should avoid impeding a vessel constrained by her draught, the primary concern lies in the operational limitations of the constrained vessel, which is unable to navigate safely in shallow waters due to her draft. A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, such as one that has a deep draft, has specific right-of-way considerations under the COLREGs.

The rule emphasizes that other vessels must stay clear and not impede the movement of the constrained vessel. This typically includes vessels not under command or those restricted in their ability to maneuver, as they may have difficulty changing course or speed to avoid a collision.

In this context, the focus is on resolving the safety considerations inherent in navigating close to vessels with limited maneuverability. Thus, the answer stands correct because it highlights the vessel type that has the highest duty to avoid interference with the movements of a vessel constrained by her draught. Ships engaging in fishing, for example, or other categories of vessels—with the exception of those specifically outlined in Rule 28—may still have some flexibility in their navigation compared to a vessel constrained by her draught, which requires clear passage to ensure safe navigation.

This understanding of the hierarchy of vessel responsibilities is important in maintaining safety protocols at sea, and adherence