Question 25 GLI04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B. ### Why Option B is Correct The governing regulations for the location of lights are found in the *International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972* (COLREGs), specifically Annex I, Section 3, which details the positioning and technical details of lights and shapes. Paragraph 3(b) of Annex I states: > "The masthead light, or if there is more than one, one of them, shall be placed forward of all other lights and shall as far as practicable be carried in the fore and aft centerline of the vessel." However, there are exceptions for small vessels. Paragraph 3(e) addresses vessels less than 12 meters in length: > "On a vessel of less than 12 meters in length the masthead light or all-round light may be placed off the fore and aft centerline of the vessel if centerline placement is not practicable, provided that the sidelights are combined in one lantern which shall be carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel or located as nearly as practicable in the same fore and aft line as the masthead light or the all-round light." Therefore, for vessels **less than 12 meters in length**, the masthead light (or all-round light) is specifically permitted to be located off the fore and aft centerline if placement on the centerline is impractical. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) which has separate sidelights carried on the outboard extremes of the vessel's breadth** The placement of separate sidelights at the extremes of breadth does not automatically grant permission to place the masthead light off the centerline. The general rule (Annex I, 3(b)) still requires centerline placement "as far as practicable" for most vessels, unless specific exceptions based on vessel length (12m or 20m limits) or specific activity (like towing) apply. This description does not meet the criteria for the exception related to masthead light offset. **C) engaged in fishing** Vessels engaged in fishing display specific lights (two all-round lights, red over white), but their operating status does not inherently exempt them from the general requirements concerning the centerline placement of their primary masthead light (when required). Annex I does not provide a general exemption for masthead light location based solely on being engaged in fishing. **D) less than 20 meters in length** While 20 meters is a significant threshold in COLREGs for various technical specifications (e.g., minimum height requirements for masthead lights), the specific exception allowing the masthead light to be carried off the fore and aft centerline is tied to vessels **less than 12 meters in length** (Annex I, 3(e)). Vessels between 12 and 20 meters in length must adhere to the standard requirements regarding light placement as strictly as practicable.