Question 26 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D is correct:** The lighting requirements for Great Lakes vessels are governed by the Inland Rules (33 CFR Part 83) and the special statutory provisions found in 33 U.S.C. § 2083 (Rule 23) which apply specifically to vessels operating on the Great Lakes. Rule 23(d)(i) of the Inland Rules, incorporating 33 U.S.C. § 2083, states: "A power-driven vessel under 50 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light in lieu of the second masthead light and stern light." This provision simplifies the required lights for smaller power-driven vessels operating exclusively on the Great Lakes, allowing a single all-round white light to cover both the requirement for the second masthead light (if required) and the stern light. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) Great Lakes vessels are exempted from the requirement to show yellow towing lights.** This is incorrect. Yellow towing lights (or "towing stern lights") are required for vessels engaged in towing by both International and Inland Rules, including on the Great Lakes. The exemption pertains to *where* the yellow light must be placed relative to the white stern light, but the requirement to show the yellow towing light itself (positioned vertically above the stern light) remains. * **B) Sidelights for vessels over 50 meters are required to have only a two-mile range of visibility.** This is incorrect. Inland Rule 22 specifies that the minimum range of visibility for sidelights on vessels 50 meters or more in length must be **3 miles**. The 2-mile range applies only to vessels under 50 meters. * **C) The showing of a forward masthead light is optional for vessels under 150 meters.** This is incorrect. Rule 23 requires that a power-driven vessel underway must exhibit a forward masthead light, regardless of length (unless they fall under the exception described in D). The requirement for the forward masthead light is mandatory for all power-driven vessels underway. Furthermore, the requirement for a second masthead light (the after masthead light) applies to vessels 50 meters or more in length, making the forward light mandatory for vessels up to 50 meters and beyond.