Question 30 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for Option C (sailing vessel) being correct:** The illustration D080RR shows a combination of navigation lights: a **red sidelight**, a **green sidelight**, and **two all-round lights in a vertical line: the upper one red, and the lower one green** (Red Over Green - R-O-G). According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) Rule 25(c) and U.S. Inland Rules, a power-driven vessel underway must exhibit masthead lights, sidelights, and a sternlight. A **sailing vessel underway** must exhibit sidelights and a sternlight (Rule 25(a)). However, **Rule 25(b) (or Annex V in some interpretations, often relating to vessels less than 20 meters)** allows a sailing vessel to combine these required sidelights and sternlight in one single lantern carried at or near the top of the mast (a tricolor lantern), OR, if not using the tricolor, they may exhibit sidelights and a sternlight. **Rule 25(c) (Applicable to vessels less than 50 meters, including sailing vessels):** In addition to the required lights, a sailing vessel may exhibit **two all-round lights in a vertical line, where the upper is red and the lower is green (Red Over Green)**. This display is optional and indicates that the vessel is a sailing vessel. Since the illustration shows the standard sidelights (red and green) *plus* the optional Red Over Green (R-O-G) display, the vessel is clearly identified as a **sailing vessel** (Sailing is Right Under God/Red Over Green). **Explanation for why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) vessel on pilotage duty:** A vessel engaged in pilotage duty exhibits **white over red** (White Over Red, Pilot Ahead). This is incorrect. * **B) law enforcement vessel:** While law enforcement vessels often display distinctive flashing blue lights (especially on Inland waters), their primary COLREGS status is usually based on being a power-driven vessel, unless they are displaying lights for restricted maneuverability or towing. They do not use the Red Over Green signal. * **D) vessel engaged in fishing:** A vessel engaged in fishing (trawling) exhibits **green over white** (Green Over White, Trawling Tonight). If the fishing vessel is engaged in other types of fishing, it exhibits **red over white** (Red Over White, Fishing Boat). Neither of these matches the required Red Over Green lights shown.