Question 17 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

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 23 (Vessels Underway). A vessel being towed, when it is a single vessel being towed, is required to show the lights specified for a vessel of its length (Rule 23), but it is not required to show the masthead lights because the towing vessel is already indicating the presence of the tow (Rule 24 (e)). Therefore, the vessel being towed shall show: 1. **Sidelights** (a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side). 2. **A stern light** (a white light showing astern). **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **A) One all-round white light:** This light configuration is typically reserved for small vessels (under 7 meters, speed under 7 knots) or vessels at anchor/aground, not a standard underway vessel being towed. A vessel being towed must show its port/starboard orientation (sidelights) and its stern light. * **C) A masthead light, sidelights, and a stern light:** A vessel being towed is specifically **exempted** from showing masthead lights (Rule 24 (e) (i)). If it showed a masthead light, it could be mistaken for a vessel underway under its own power (if under 50m) or a towing vessel itself, which would be confusing and dangerous. * **D) Only the outboard sidelight and a stern light:** This option is incorrect because the vessel being towed is required to show **both** sidelights (port and starboard) unless the towing arrangement obscures one of the lights (which is not generally the case for a single vessel being towed alongside). Showing only the outboard light would violate Rule 23/24 requirements for orientation lights.