Rules of the Road · General & Definitions

Under 72 COLREGS, a vessel 'constrained by her draft' is one that:

Explanation

Rule 3(h) gives a functional definition: the vessel's draft relative to the available navigable water leaves her severely restricted in ability to deviate from her course. No specific depth or draft number is prescribed — it is a situational judgment based on the specific waters.

Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 3(h)

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