Question 27 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct This question specifically addresses the lighting requirements for power-driven vessels operating on the **Western Rivers** (an **INLAND ONLY** exception), pushing ahead or towing alongside. **Inland Navigation Rule 24(i)** establishes a unique exception for these operations on the Western Rivers: > "Notwithstanding paragraph (a) and (e) of this Rule, on the Western Rivers... a power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside... shall exhibit the sidelights and two towing lights in a vertical line." Therefore, the vessel exhibits the standard forward running lights (sidelights) and, in place of the usual stern light, it exhibits two towing lights to signify the pushing/towing operation. It is specifically exempted from having to exhibit the special masthead lights (two or three in a vertical line) required for general inland towing. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect * **A) one masthead light, sidelights, and stern light:** This is the lighting configuration for a standard power-driven vessel underway, *not* engaged in towing or pushing. When towing/pushing, the stern light is replaced by towing lights, and the operation generally requires special masthead lights (though exempted on the Western Rivers). * **B) two masthead lights, sidelights, and stern light:** This configuration is incorrect for two reasons: (1) The two masthead lights are specifically **not** required for pushing/towing alongside on the Western Rivers under Rule 24(i); and (2) The stern light is replaced by two towing lights when pushing or towing. * **D) two masthead lights, sidelights, and two towing lights:** This option includes the correct sidelights and towing lights but incorrectly includes the two masthead lights (towing lights), which are explicitly exempted for vessels operating under the Western Rivers exception (Rule 24(i)).