Question 24 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is A Option A is correct because this scenario is directly addressed by Rule 23(b) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Rule 23(b) provides a specific exemption for wing-in-ground (WIG) craft, which, due to their specialized design and high-speed operation close to the surface, may be physically unable to meet the exact vertical spacing requirements (height differential between masthead lights) specified in Annex I, Section 3(a) of COLREGs. Rule 23(b) states: "An air-cushion vessel when operating in the non-displacement mode and a vessel of special nature, such as a wing-in-ground (WIG) craft, shall exhibit, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, an all-round flashing yellow light. Where the physical arrangement of the vessel or craft or the limited space available makes it impracticable to comply fully with the provisions concerning the vertical or horizontal spacing of lights as prescribed in Annex I to these Regulations, the vessel or craft shall comply as closely as possible, as determined by the Government of the State whose flag the vessel or craft is entitled to fly." Since the WIG craft is inherently unable to comply with the spacing requirement, it is required to comply as closely as possible, with its specific arrangement being officially determined and approved by its flag state government. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) An all-round light should be substituted for the after-masthead light and the stern light.** This is incorrect. While WIG craft *must* carry an all-round flashing yellow light (Rule 23(b)), this is an *additional* light, not a substitution for the required navigation lights (masthead, sidelights, stern light). The requirement to comply "as closely as possible" relates to the *spacing* of the existing required lights, not their substitution. * **C) The WIG must carry only the lights that comply with the rules; the others may be omitted.** This is incorrect and dangerous. Omitting required navigation lights (like masthead lights) would violate the fundamental safety principles of COLREGs (Rule 23(a)) and prevent other vessels from determining the WIG's aspect and course. The craft must carry all required lights, even if their spacing is non-compliant. * **D) The WIG must be altered to permit full compliance with the rules.** This is incorrect because the premise of the question is that the WIG craft *cannot* comply due to its fundamental design (it is a vessel of "special nature"). Rule 23(b) provides a specific exemption precisely because altering such specialized craft to meet standard requirements is often impracticable or impossible.