Limited Maneuverability

L

LBDboater

Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2004
RO Number
15780
Messages
127
What is your definition of a vessel that is limited in maneuverability?
 
Do you mean "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
 
How about a 63' foot long, twin diesel inboard powered vessel sight seeing boat?
 
quote:

The term "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver" means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel; vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver include, but are not limited to:
(i) a vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigation mark, submaine cable or pipeline;
(ii) a vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations;
(iii) a vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions, r cargo while underway;
(iv) a vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft;
(v) a vessel engaged in mineclearance operations; and
(vi) a vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course.

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I would say sight seeing vessel...no!
 
The navigation rules are pretty specific, but generally it means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by the Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of the another vessel. Look at Rule 3. You need to furnish many, many more details. If you were involved in a incident. Don't post anything else.
 
Not an incident... just a scenario and was trying to figure out who was correct in their logic. He claimed to be a vessel of limited maneuverability making him the stand on vessel. My other question, even if he was a stand on vessel, would he be required to make a securite alerting the rest of boat traffic that he was?
 
quote:
Originally posted by LBDboater

How about a 63' foot long, twin diesel inboard powered vessel sight seeing boat?

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Was she displaying the correct signals at the time?
 
Believe me everybody will have an opinion of this, but truly the only opinion that will matter will be that of the US District Court judge that hears the case and then rules based on the evidence presented and applicable case law in your area. Get a copy of "Farwell's Rules of the Nautical Road" it may help you some.
 
I'm definately not a rules expert, but simply being a sight-seeing boat wouldn't make them a "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver". They might not want to deviate from their planned tour route, but this doesn't seem constitute a "restriction".
 
Tugs towing/pushing a barge.
Self propelled drilling rigs.
Seismic boats towing 3 to 5 miles of seismic string.
Big boats in small rivers/channels.
Derick barges in operation.
Pipe laying barges in operation.
Dredge barges.
Shrimp boats pulling/pushing nets.
Long line boats when putting out or pulling in lines.
DP boats with ROV in the water.
DP rigs while hooked up to a work string.
 
There are a lot of misconceptions about RAM and the key element is the nature of the work

A large vessel in a narrow channel, a tug pushing a barge, or fishing vessels are not RAM. Some fishing vessels operations are covered in the rules but not as RAM

RAMs aRe equipped with proper lights and day shapes and will use them along with securite calls
 
The basic question is...Is he bigger than you? The law of tonnage prevails over everything else. Frivolity aside, larger boats often have poor visibility from the helm. Don't expect them to see you in your 20 something foot boat. If there is any doubt, get out of the big boats way. What does it cost you?
 
How about a sailboat that doesn't like the wind direction! Don't laugh, I have a sailor friend I regularly debate this with.
 
that makes him a lousy sailor... doesn't give him any rights!
 
I thought RAM status was usually situational. I mean if I'm in a 35' power boat in a crossing situation with a much larger 250' vessel. Say I'm to his starboard and stand-on and we're 500' from collision. He cannot possibly manuever in time to prevent a collision, he is RAM. I must take action to avoid the collision.
 
quote:
Originally posted by lark

I thought RAM status was usually situational. I mean if I'm in a 35' power boat in a crossing situation with a much larger 250' vessel. Say I'm to his starboard and stand-on and we're 500' from collision. He cannot possibly manuever in time to prevent a collision, he is RAM. I must take action to avoid the collision.

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You must avoid the collision but not because he is restricted. There is a general rule that both vessels must do whatever is necessary to avoid a collision. Go back to Phillyteach's reply and re-read it. Restricted is "By Nature of the Work being performed". It's not the vessel it's the work it's doing, fishing, towing etc.
 
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