What does a vessel constrained by her draft mean?

A vessel constrained by her draft refers specifically to a power-driven vessel that is limited in her ability to maneuver due to the depth of water in which she is operating and the fullness of her hull. This condition arises when the vessel's draft (the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull) is significant relative to the water depth. When a vessel is constrained by her draft, it cannot safely navigate into shallower waters or change its course as easily as vessels that do not have such limitations.

This concept is important within the context of maritime navigation rules, as it establishes the responsibilities of vessels in various situations. For instance, vessels constrained by their draft may have restricted ability to take evasive action and must be cautious to avoid collisions, impacting how other vessels are expected to behave around them. Understanding this classification helps ensure safe and effective navigation in constrained waterways.