Question 25 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is B. ### Why Option B is Correct Option B ("less than 12 meters in length") is correct because regulations (specifically, Rule 23(c)(i) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, or similar Inland rules) provide specific flexibility regarding the placement of lights for small vessels. For power-driven vessels less than 12 meters in length, the regulations allow the masthead light (or all-round white light if used in place of the masthead and stern light) to be located off the fore and aft centerline if it is **impracticable** to place it on the centerline, provided the displacement of the light is compensated for so that the arcs of visibility prescribed by Rule 21 are maintained. This rule recognizes the practical difficulties of fitting standard lighting arrangements on very small craft. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) which has separate sidelights carried on the outboard extremes of the vessel's breadth:** While the placement of sidelights on the outboard extremes is a common feature on many vessels (especially those requiring maximum visibility separation), this practice does not, in itself, grant permission to move the masthead light off the centerline. The rules governing the masthead light placement are independent of the placement of the sidelights, except for vessels under 20 meters where the masthead light must be carried forward of the sidelights. **C) engaged in fishing:** A vessel engaged in fishing displays specific lights (green over white all-round lights) that indicate its operational status (Rule 26). However, the general rules regarding the placement of the required masthead light (which fishing vessels typically still must carry if power-driven and making way, or as an auxiliary light) mandate that it be located near or on the fore and aft centerline, regardless of the vessel's activity, unless the vessel falls under the specific length exemption (Rule 23(c)(i)). **D) less than 20 meters in length:** Vessels less than 20 meters in length (but 12 meters or greater) are given certain relaxations regarding lighting visibility requirements and placement (e.g., combining the masthead and stern light into a single all-round white light if less than 12 meters, or combining sidelights). However, the specific provision allowing the masthead light to be located **off the fore and aft centerline** due to impracticability is reserved only for the smallest power-driven vessels, those **less than 12 meters** in length. Vessels between 12 and 20 meters must still adhere to the centerline placement requirement for the masthead light.