Question 29 ONC02 - Second Mate/Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A. **Why option A ("2") is correct:** This scenario involves a specific set of rules under U.S. Inland Waterways regulations: 1. **Vessel Status:** The vessel is a barge, and it is "more than 50 meters long." 2. **Location:** It is anchored (not aground) and is located in a Secretary-approved "special anchorage area." 3. **General Rule for Anchored Vessels (Length > 50m):** Normally, an anchored vessel exceeding 50 meters in length must show two white anchor lights: one forward and one aft (Rule 30(a)(ii)). 4. **Exception for Special Anchorage Areas (Inland Rule 30(g)):** Under the Inland Navigational Rules (Rule 30(g)), a vessel anchored in a designated "special anchorage area" is *not required* to show the lights or shapes required by the other parts of Rule 30. 5. **Exception for Barges (Inland Rule 30(h)):** However, Inland Rule 30(h) specifically states, "A barge in a special anchorage area shall display the lights required by Rule 30(a) or Rule 30(b) or Rule 30(c) [i.e., the normal anchoring/aground lights]." 6. **Conclusion:** Since the barge is in a special anchorage area, the exception in Rule 30(g) does *not* apply to it (due to 30(h)). Therefore, the barge must comply with the standard anchoring requirements for its length. Since it is greater than 50 meters long, it must display **2** all-round white anchor lights (one forward, one aft, as per Rule 30(a)(ii)). **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) 1:** One white anchor light is required only for vessels less than 50 meters in length (Rule 30(a)(i)). Since this barge is more than 50 meters long, one light is insufficient. * **C) 3:** There is no requirement in the Rules for an anchored vessel of any length to show three white anchor lights. * **D) None:** "None" would only be correct if the vessel qualified entirely under the exemption for special anchorage areas (Rule 30(g)). However, Rule 30(h) specifically overrides this exemption for barges, requiring them to show the standard lights.