Which vessel shall avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft?

The key aspect of the question involves understanding which type of vessel must avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel that is constrained by its draft. A vessel constrained by its draft refers to one that has limited ability to maneuver due to its size and depth in the water, particularly in shallow areas.

Fishing vessels are often required to keep a lookout for vessels constrained by their draft. This is especially important because fishing vessels may operate in busy shipping lanes or areas where larger ships must navigate carefully. The rules prioritize the safe navigation of larger vessels, as they may not be able to alter their course or speed as easily as smaller vessels can.

In contrast, while sailing, power-driven, and recreational vessels must all adhere to navigational rules as well, they are not specifically classified as having the same obligations regarding the safe passage of vessels constrained by their draft. Therefore, the fishing vessel's responsibility in this situation reflects its duty to avoid impeding larger vessels that require more room and more careful navigation. This obligation is established under the Rules of the Road to ensure maritime safety and effective traffic management on waterways.