Question 3 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for A (A law enforcement vessel):** Under the Inland Navigation Rules (33 CFR § 88.11), a flashing blue light is an optional signal that may be displayed by a law enforcement vessel when engaged in official duties. This signal is intended to assist in the identification of the vessel as a law enforcement authority, particularly in situations where speed or maneuverability is required for the performance of those duties. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) A work boat:** Work boats, or vessels engaged in dredging or underwater operations, typically display specific combinations of red, white, and green lights (e.g., three lights in a vertical line: red-white-red) or day shapes (e.g., two balls or a diamond between two balls) to indicate their restricted ability to maneuver. A flashing blue light is not a standard signal for a general work boat. * **C) A vessel engaged in a race:** Vessels engaged in races do not have a specific mandatory navigational light signal (like a flashing blue light) designated for that activity under the Inland Rules. Their lighting follows standard rules unless otherwise specified by the race organizers (and typically, race signals are not flashing blue). * **D) A vessel transferring hazardous cargo:** Vessels handling hazardous cargo are subject to special safety and operational requirements, but the indication of the cargo itself (or the transfer operation) is not signaled by a flashing blue light. They follow standard rules regarding lights and shapes (e.g., vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver if the transfer operation impedes movement).