Question 17 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Sidelights and a stern light):** Option B is correct based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 24 (Towing and Pushing). Rule 24(c) addresses a vessel or object being towed and states that it shall exhibit the vessel's lights prescribed in Rule 23 (Power-driven vessels underway), *except* that it does not show the masthead light(s). Therefore, a single vessel being towed alongside must show: 1. **Sidelights** (required by Rule 23(a)(ii)) 2. **A stern light** (required by Rule 23(a)(iii)) **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) One all-round white light:** This configuration is specified for small vessels (less than 7 meters) or certain vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver (like divers), but it is not the required lighting for a vessel being towed, which must show the full arc of visibility provided by sidelights and a stern light. * **C) A masthead light, sidelights, and a stern light:** This is the standard lighting configuration for a power-driven vessel underway (Rule 23(a)). As per Rule 24(c), a vessel being towed *shall not* show the masthead light(s). * **D) Only the outboard sidelight and a stern light:** While this might seem intuitive for a vessel towed alongside (as the inboard sidelight is obscured by the towing vessel), COLREGs Rule 24(c) requires the towed vessel to exhibit the standard sidelights. There is no provision allowing the omission of the inboard sidelight for a vessel being towed alongside. The vessel must show the full set of mandatory lights (sidelights and stern light).