Question 24 GLI02 - Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A Option A is correct because this scenario is explicitly addressed in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Rule 23 (Power-driven vessels underway), specifically mentions Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft. The relevant exemption is found under the general provisions section of the COLREGs, which deals with special circumstances for vessels whose construction or purpose makes full compliance with the rules impractical. For WIG craft, COLREGs recognize that strict adherence to the required spacing and positioning of lights (particularly masthead lights, due to their unique low-altitude operational profile and physical constraints) may be impossible. Therefore, the rule permits these lights to be positioned in the way that best complies with the regulations, provided the arrangement is deemed acceptable by the government of the state whose flag the vessel is entitled to fly. This is captured by the wording "as closely as possible, as determined by her 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 a provision made for specific types of vessels, such as vessels less than 12 meters in length (COLREG Rule 23(d)), or certain fishing vessels, but it is not the blanket requirement or mandated solution for WIG craft failing to meet masthead light spacing requirements. The specific exemption for WIG craft requires them to comply as closely as possible with the standard masthead light arrangement. * **C) The WIG must carry only the lights that comply with the rules; the others may be omitted.** This option is incorrect because omitting required lights would violate the fundamental purpose of the COLREGs (preventing collisions) by making the vessel less visible or identifiable. The requirement is to comply "as closely as possible," not to omit non-compliant lights. * **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, due to its inherent design and purpose, *cannot* comply with the spacing requirement. COLREGs acknowledge this physical constraint and provide an exemption (Option A), rather than demanding a redesign that would fundamentally compromise the craft's function.