Question 25 GLI07 - OUPV

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Correct Answer):** The placement requirements for navigation lights, including the masthead light, are detailed in the **Inland Navigation Rules** (specifically Rule 21 and Annex I). Rule 21 defines the lights, and Annex I (Positioning and Technical Details of Lights) specifies their required physical placement. Section 3(b) of Annex I of the Inland Rules provides an exception for smaller vessels regarding the centerline placement of the masthead light: > "The masthead light, or all-round light described in Rule 23(c), and the sternlight shall be placed in the fore and aft centerline of the vessel, **except that the masthead light need not be placed in the fore and aft centerline of a vessel less than 12 meters in length** if it is impracticable to do so, provided that the light is positioned as nearly as possible to the fore and aft centerline." Therefore, a power-driven vessel less than 12 meters in length is the only category specifically allowed by the rules to locate the masthead light other than on the fore and aft centerline if necessary due to impracticality. **Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** * **A) which has separate sidelights carried on the outboard extremes of the vessel's breadth:** The positioning of the sidelights (whether combined or separate, or placed at the extremities) does not grant an exemption for the required centerline placement of the **masthead light**. The masthead light must still be on the centerline unless the vessel meets the length exemption (less than 12 meters). * **C) engaged in fishing:** While fishing vessels (especially those trawling) have specific requirements for their specialized lights (e.g., all-round lights showing the nature of the operation), the requirement that the standard **masthead light** (if carried) must be on the fore and aft centerline is generally maintained regardless of the activity, unless the vessel falls under the less-than-12-meter exemption. * **D) less than 20 meters in length:** This length does not trigger the specific exception found in Annex I. Vessels between 12 meters and 20 meters in length must still comply with the requirement to place the masthead light on the fore and aft centerline. The exception applies only to vessels **less than 12 meters** in length.