Question 29 MODU02 - Barge Supervisor

The Correct Answer is A. ### Why Option A ("2") is Correct The scenario describes a vessel anchored in **inland waters** (specifically, a Secretary approved "special anchorage area" means the Inland Rules apply) and the vessel is a **barge more than 50 meters long**. According to the U.S. Inland Navigation Rules (specifically, Rule 30(a) and the associated Annex V requirements for special anchorage areas): 1. **Vessels over 50 meters in length** (including barges) when anchored must display the required anchor lights for their size, which is one forward and one aft (two lights total). 2. **However, in a Secretary approved "special anchorage area" (Inland Rule 30(g) and Annex V):** Vessels, regardless of length, are **not required** to exhibit anchor lights, shapes, or make anchor signals. **Crucially, the question asks how many lights are *required to be shown***, not whether they are exempt. * **If the barge *were* anchored outside a special anchorage area:** It would be required to show **2** white anchor lights (one forward, one aft) because it is over 50 meters long (Rule 30(a)). * **If the barge is anchored *in* a special anchorage area:** The requirement to show the lights is **waived** (Rule 30(g)). ***The ambiguity in this specific test question relies on how the rule application is interpreted.*** In maritime professional examinations (like Coast Guard licensing), when a length requirement is met, the standard rule for that length usually dictates the *number* of lights that would apply, even if an exemption exists. However, based strictly on the rules of navigation: * Rule 30(a) defines the lighting requirement based on length: Over 50m = 2 lights. * Rule 30(g) provides a complete exemption in the specified area. **If the established correct answer is A (2), the underlying logic assumes the test question ignores the exemption provided by the "special anchorage area" clause and only tests the lighting requirement based on the vessel's length (over 50m).** *Therefore, following the logic that yields A as the correct answer:* A vessel over 50 meters must normally display two anchor lights (forward and aft). ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **B) 1:** A single anchor light (forward) is required only for vessels **less than 50 meters** in length when anchored (Inland Rule 30(b)). Since the barge is more than 50 meters long, one light is insufficient under standard rules. **C) 3:** Three anchor lights are not required under the standard Rules for anchoring (though three separate day shapes may be required for vessels over 50 meters that are aground). Only one or two anchor lights are specified for anchored vessels. **D) None:** Under a strict interpretation of Inland Rule 30(g), which allows vessels in a special anchorage area to be **exempted** from displaying anchor lights, "None" would be the technically correct answer for what is *required*. However, because the test key states A is correct, it indicates the question is testing the standard lighting configuration based on the vessel's length (over 50m = 2 lights), regardless of the special anchorage area exemption.