Question 25 GLI06 - Master or Mate of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is B. ### Why Option B is Correct Option B, "less than 12 meters in length," is correct because Rule 23(c)(i) of the Inland Navigation Rules (which often mirror the International Rules, but the question specifies "INLAND ONLY") provides a specific exception for the placement of the masthead light on smaller power-driven vessels. Rule 23(c)(i) states that on a power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length, the masthead light (or all-round white light if applicable) may be **displaced** from the fore and aft centerline if centerline placement is not practical, provided that the sidelights are combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel. However, even if they are not combined, the general allowance for flexibility in light placement for vessels under 12 meters (often allowing a single all-round white light and sidelights, or special configurations) makes this length category the defining factor where placement *other than* the centerline is explicitly permitted and common due to design constraints. The primary regulatory relief concerning light placement flexibility applies specifically to vessels under 12 meters. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) which has separate sidelights carried on the outboard extremes of the vessel's breadth** This describes a standard requirement for many vessels, particularly those over 12 meters, ensuring the sidelights meet the required horizontal separation. This configuration does not provide an exemption allowing the masthead light to be off the fore and aft centerline; generally, the masthead light must remain on the centerline unless the vessel falls into a specific exception category (like being less than 12 meters). **C) engaged in fishing** Vessels engaged in fishing (Rule 26) have specific lights (e.g., green over white, or red over white depending on the type of gear), but they are still required to show the standard navigational lights (masthead, sidelights, stern light) when making way, unless exempted. The exception concerning masthead light placement is based on the vessel's physical size, not its operational status. **D) less than 20 meters in length** While vessels less than 20 meters in length (but 12 meters or more) have some relaxations (e.g., they don't need to carry an additional masthead light aft), they are generally still required to carry their required masthead light(s) along the vessel’s fore and aft centerline. The critical cutoff for significantly relaxed placement rules (including displacement from the centerline) is **12 meters**, not 20 meters.