Under what circumstances can a vessel restrict its ability to maneuver?

A vessel can restrict its ability to maneuver when it is towing or pushing another vessel because this operation significantly impacts the vessel's handling characteristics. When a vessel is engaged in towing, the connection with the towed vessel creates a situation where the towing vessel must consider the additional length and weight of the towed object, which limits its ability to change direction quickly or stop efficiently. Furthermore, this towing operation is governed by the Rules of the Road, which signal to other vessels that the towing vessel may not be able to yield the right of way as it normally would.

In contrast, being aground or underwater generally places a vessel in a situation where it is unable to move at all, rather than just restricting its maneuverability. Fishing in a designated area may involve a range of movements, and while it may require careful navigation, it does not inherently restrict maneuverability to the extent that towing does. Lastly, operating in a busy shipping lane may present challenges but does not mathematically reduce a vessel's maneuverability in the same way that towing directly affects a vessel’s ability to respond to other vessels. Hence, the conditions associated with towing are explicitly recognized in navigational rules, underscoring the limitations imposed on the vessel’s maneuvering capabilities during such operations.