Question 25 ONC03 - Master LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for B (less than 12 meters in length) being correct:** The location of the masthead light is generally required to be on the fore and aft centerline. However, Rule 23(c)(i) (Power-driven vessels underway) provides an exception for small vessels. Specifically, it states that a power-driven vessel of **less than 12 meters in length** may carry the masthead light off the fore and aft centerline if it is impracticable to place it on the centerline, provided the sidelights are combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline or are placed as far forward as possible. This rule recognizes the practical difficulties of fitting regulatory lighting on very small boats. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) which has separate sidelights carried on the outboard extremes of the vessel's breadth:** The configuration of the sidelights (separate or combined) is relevant to small vessels, but this specific configuration does not, by itself, grant permission to move the masthead light off the centerline. The governing factor remains the vessel's length (less than 12 meters) combined with the impracticability of centerline mounting. * **C) engaged in fishing:** While vessels engaged in fishing have special lighting requirements (Rule 26), these rules define additional lights (e.g., lights indicating gear status) and do not provide a general exemption allowing the required masthead light (which they must show when making way) to be located off the centerline regardless of length. The standard centerline requirement still applies unless the vessel is under 12 meters. * **D) less than 20 meters in length:** Vessels less than 20 meters are subject to certain accommodations (like carrying one combined lantern for sidelights and stern light), but the specific exemption for carrying the masthead light off the centerline applies only to vessels **less than 12 meters** in length, not the broader category of less than 20 meters.