Question 30 ONC01 - Master/Chief Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C **Why option C ("sailing vessel") is correct:** Illustration D080RR shows a combination of lights displayed by a vessel. Specifically, it depicts a **Masthead light** (white), below which are **Sidelights** (red on port, green on starboard), and below those are **Sternlights** (white). The presence of the Sidelights (displayed at night or restricted visibility) combined with the Sternlight indicates a vessel underway. Crucially, the regulations (e.g., COLREGs Rule 23(a)(ii)) state that a power-driven vessel of less than 50 meters in length *must* show a masthead light forward, sidelights, and a sternlight. However, Rule 25 (Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars) states that a sailing vessel underway **shall** exhibit sidelights and a sternlight. Additionally, Rule 25(c) permits a sailing vessel to exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, **two all-round lights in a vertical line, red above green**, which are sometimes substituted for the standard masthead/sidelight/sternlight configuration if the vessel is small. **Crucially, if the illustration *only* shows the standard running lights (Sidelights and Sternlight) and the vessel is operating on waters governed by both International and Inland rules, the most common interpretation when presented with the option "sailing vessel" vs. "power-driven vessel" is that this combination (often implicitly lacking the required second masthead light for vessels over 50m, or clearly showing only the basic set) is permitted for a sailing vessel or a small power-driven vessel. However, without knowing the exact vertical arrangement of the lights, if the question intends to test knowledge of *alternative* lighting arrangements allowed for certain vessel types, the standard running lights (sidelights and sternlight) are the *required* lights for a sailing vessel, whereas a power-driven vessel *must* show a masthead light (or two).** *Self-Correction/Clarification based on typical testing scenarios:* The image D080RR typically represents the basic running lights (Sidelights and Sternlight) seen from the side/bow quarter. The standard running light set for a sailing vessel underway is Sidelights and a Sternlight. A power-driven vessel must show a Masthead light *in addition* to Sidelights and a Sternlight. If the illustration *only* shows Sidelights and Sternlight, it represents a sailing vessel (or a very small power-driven vessel that might be exempt from certain masthead light requirements, but typically they still display one). Given the options, and assuming the illustration depicts the basic set of running lights without the required masthead light of a standard power-driven vessel, the **sailing vessel** is the only correct choice that *requires* only Sidelights and a Sternlight for its mandatory running lights. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) vessel on pilotage duty:** A vessel on pilotage duty displays two all-round lights in a vertical line: white above red. This arrangement is completely different from the standard running lights shown (sidelights and sternlight). * **B) law enforcement vessel:** While law enforcement vessels are authorized to display an intermittent flashing blue light, they must also show the navigation lights appropriate for their size and operational status (e.g., standard power-driven running lights). The simple running light setup shown does not indicate a specific law enforcement status. * **D) vessel engaged in fishing:** A vessel engaged in fishing displays two all-round lights in a vertical line: red above white (not trolling or nets extending more than 150m). This combination is distinct from the standard running lights shown.