Question 27 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C (sidelights and two towing lights) is Correct This question pertains specifically to the rules governing power-driven vessels engaged in pushing ahead or towing alongside *on the Western Rivers (above the Huey P. Long Bridge on the Mississippi River at mile 106.1)*, which falls under the **Inland Rules (33 CFR Subchapter E)**. **Inland Rule 24(g)** specifies the lights for a power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers (above the designated boundary) or on waters specified by the Secretary: > "A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers, except the Mississippi River above mile 106.1 AHP, or on water specified by the Secretary, shall exhibit the **sidelights** and **two towing lights** in a vertical line." In this specific operational and geographic area (Western Rivers/Inland Only), the pushing vessel replaces the standard white masthead lights and stern light with two vertical towing lights (yellow lights). ### Why the Other Options Are Incorrect **A) one masthead light, sidelights, and stern light** This configuration is typically used for a standard power-driven vessel of less than 50 meters in length (Rule 23(a)(i)) or sometimes for a towing vessel of less than 20 meters towing astern (Rule 24(a)(i) combined with Rule 23(a)(ii)), but it does not apply to pushing/towing alongside on the Western Rivers. Furthermore, towing requires two or three masthead lights/towing lights, not just one. **B) two masthead lights, sidelights, and stern light** This configuration represents a standard towing vessel (towing astern) under 50 meters in length (Rule 24(a)(i) combined with Rule 23(a)(ii)), where the two masthead lights are white towing lights placed vertically. However, on the Western Rivers (the specified location), the special rule requires *yellow towing lights* (referred to as "two towing lights") instead of the white masthead lights, and eliminates the stern light. **D) two masthead lights, sidelights, and two towing lights** This option incorrectly combines elements. Under Rule 24(g) for the Western Rivers, the two towing lights (yellow) *replace* the standard white masthead lights and stern light. Including both masthead lights (white) and two towing lights (yellow) simultaneously would be incorrect and confusing under the Inland Rules.