Question 24 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A Option A is correct because this specific situation (WIG craft unable to comply with vertical spacing requirements for lights) is addressed directly in the **International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 23(b)**, which covers vessels supported on dynamic air cushion or hydrofoils (like WIG craft). Rule 23(b) states: "An air-cushion vessel when operating in the non-displacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light. Where it is impracticable for a WIG craft to comply with the vertical spacing requirements of Rule 3(a) (i) to (iv), the craft shall exhibit the lights as closely as possible to the requirements, and the vertical spacing of the lights shall be determined by the government of the State whose flag the craft is entitled to fly." Therefore, when full compliance with spacing is impossible, the WIG must comply as closely as possible, and the specific arrangement is determined by the flag State's government. *** **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) An all-round light should be substituted for the after-masthead light and the stern light.** This is incorrect. While some rules allow substitution of lights in certain circumstances (like vessels under 12 meters), substituting an all-round light for a combination of a masthead light and a stern light is not the specified remedy for WIG craft spacing issues. The specific vertical spacing relief granted to WIG craft pertains to the masthead lights themselves. * **C) The WIG must carry only the lights that comply with the rules; the others may be omitted.** This is incorrect and dangerous. Vessels are required to carry the minimum operational lighting required by the Rules (e.g., masthead, sidelights, stern light). Omitting mandatory lights is a violation of COLREGs, Rule 20 (Application), and would misidentify or fail to identify the vessel, creating a collision risk. * **D) The WIG must be altered to permit full compliance with the rules.** This is incorrect because the COLREGs provision (Rule 23(b)) specifically acknowledges that, due to the inherent design and operational constraints of WIG craft, full compliance with spacing **is impracticable**. The Rule offers an allowance rather than requiring a structural alteration that might compromise the craft's function or existence as a WIG.