Rules of the Road: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which identifier lights and or shapes is a vessel, w...

Rule 3 (i)

Why is B not correct as well?

Dear CDHOLLAND: Unable to maneuver means that the vessel is not under commmand (NUC) e.g. blackout and having no control of the vessel (exceptional circumstance) whatsoever, thus showing 2 black balls in vertical line during the day. Note that option B describes the shapes shown by a Vessel Restricted in Her Ability do Maneuver, meaning vessel is in control of herself although presenting restriction to maneuver (nature of the job in a specific situation)

*Restricted in her ability TO maneuver.* Note also that when making way, a NUC vessel presents sidelights and sternlight but when she is NOT making ways DOES NOT exhibit these lights! All the best.

RAM implies Restricted Ability to Maneuver for a NON-exceptional circumstance. That is, RAM is planned. So the wording tries to trick you into thinking this is talking about RAM (uses the word maneuver) when what's more important is that there is "some exceptional circumstance" which implies that the vessel is unable to be commanded, therefore a NUC and not a RAM.