Question 17 MODU01 - Offshore Installation Manager

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (Sidelights and a stern light):** The lighting requirements for vessels being towed are governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 24 (Towing and Pushing) and Rule 27 (Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Manoeuvre). However, the general requirement for a vessel being towed (not pushed in a composite unit) is specified in Rule 24(f), which states: "A vessel or object being towed, other than those mentioned in paragraph (g) of this Rule, shall exhibit **sidelights and a stern light**, and if the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, in addition, a diamond shape where it can best be seen." When a vessel is towed alongside, it is still considered a vessel being towed. It must exhibit the standard lights for a vessel under way (sidelights and a stern light) but *must not* exhibit masthead lights, as it is not making way using its own propulsion. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) One all-round white light:** This light is specified under COLREGs Rule 24(g) for small, inconspicuous, or partially submerged vessels/objects being towed. A single vessel being towed alongside is typically large enough and conspicuous enough to require full navigational lights (sidelights and stern light). * **C) A masthead light, sidelights, and a stern light:** A masthead light indicates that the vessel is propelled by machinery and is making way (Rule 23). A vessel being towed alongside is inherently *not* propelled by its own machinery and therefore must **not** show masthead lights, as this would be misleading to other mariners. * **D) Only the outboard sidelight and a stern light:** COLREGs Rule 24(f) requires the vessel to exhibit **sidelights** (plural). While the inboard sidelight might be obscured by the towing vessel, the requirement is to exhibit both, unless specific temporary exceptions for obscured lights apply (which is not the case for a standard tow alongside). Showing only the outboard sidelight is not the standard requirement.