Question 24 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** Option A is correct because it directly reflects the exception provided in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Annex I, Section 5(a), concerning WIG craft (Wing-in-Ground). Annex I sets out the technical details for lights and shapes. Section 5(a) acknowledges the design constraints of high-speed craft like WIGs, stating: > "The construction or intended use of special vessels, or military vessels or craft of special construction or purpose, may prevent compliance with the full technical specifications for lights and shapes. In such cases, the vessel or craft shall comply as closely as possible, as determined by the Government of the State whose flag the vessel is entitled to fly." Since a WIG craft is a high-speed vessel with specific aerodynamic limitations that may prevent meeting the required vertical spacing between masthead lights (Rule 21, Annex I Section 2(a)(ii)), the rule allows the vessel to comply as closely as possible, provided this determination is made by her government. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **B) An all-round light should be substituted for the after-masthead light and the stern light.** This is incorrect. While some vessels (like those under 12 meters) substitute lights, there is no general COLREGs provision requiring a WIG craft that cannot meet spacing requirements to use an all-round light in place of both the after-masthead light and the stern light. Furthermore, WIG craft are required to carry additional high-intensity flashing red lights when taking off, landing, or flying near the surface (Rule 23(b)), but the basic configuration of masthead and stern lights remains defined by the vessel’s length and function, not by this specific spacing constraint exception. **C) The WIG must carry only the lights that comply with the rules; the others may be omitted.** This is incorrect. Safety at sea requires vessels to carry the necessary lights (e.g., masthead, sidelights, stern light). Omitting required navigation lights is a serious violation of COLREGs and would severely compromise the vessel's visibility and identification by other ships. The regulation requires *maximum possible compliance*, not omission. **D) The WIG must be altered to permit full compliance with the rules.** This is incorrect. The purpose of Annex I, Section 5(a) is precisely to provide an exemption because altering the WIG design to meet specific light placement requirements (particularly height and spacing) would often be impossible due to the craft's fundamental aerodynamic and structural requirements. If full compliance were required regardless of the vessel's structure, the exception outlined in Annex I would be redundant.