Question 17 GLI06 - Master or Mate of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Sidelights and a stern light):** This scenario is governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Annex I (Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes), Section 3, paragraph (b) and Rule 24(f). * **Rule 24 (Towing and Pushing):** Rule 24(f) states that a vessel or object being towed (other than those covered by Rule 24(g) regarding pushing) shall exhibit the appropriate lights for a vessel *not under command* (which is not applicable here) *or* the lights required by Rule 31 (Seaplanes) *or* "shall exhibit only the **sidelights and sternlight**" if the length of the tow is less than 200 meters. * **Vessel Towed Alongside:** Even when towed alongside (a form of towing), the towed vessel is generally required to show the lights of a vessel of her length, which typically means sidelights and a stern light, unless she is specifically obscured by the towing vessel. * **The Crucial Distinction (COLREG Annex I, 3(b)):** For a vessel being towed alongside or being pushed in a group, the general requirements for towing lights are sometimes modified. However, in the standard application for a single vessel being towed, the requirement is to show the lights that define her presence and heading—sidelights and a stern light (COLREG Rule 24(f)). Therefore, the appropriate lights for a single vessel being towed alongside are sidelights and a stern light, identifying it as a standard vessel of its length. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **A) One all-round white light:** This light configuration is used for certain small vessels (under 7 meters in length, speed not exceeding 7 knots) or vessels at anchor/aground, or sometimes by fishing vessels (in conjunction with other lights). It is not the correct lighting scheme for a vessel being towed alongside, which must indicate its heading using defined arc lights (sidelights and stern light). * **C) A masthead light, sidelights, and a stern light:** A masthead light (or masthead lights) indicates that a vessel is underway and *making way* or under power/sail. A vessel being towed is not generating its own propulsion in this manner, and showing masthead lights would incorrectly indicate it is a power-driven vessel. The towing vessel itself shows the required towing lights (two or three masthead lights in a vertical line). * **D) Only the outboard sidelight and a stern light:** While special rules exist for vessels being pushed ahead or towed alongside where one vessel obscures the lights of another (allowing the obscured vessel not to show the obscured light), the question asks what lights the single vessel being towed *shall show*. Unless specifically obscured, the vessel must show *both* sidelights to define its beam. Furthermore, reducing the sidelights to only the outboard one is generally applied when the tow is pushed ahead as a composite unit (COLREG Rule 24(g)(i) regarding the forward sidelights of the pushed vessel), not simply towed alongside. The standard requirement remains both sidelights and a stern light.