Question 24 ONC04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A Option A ("The WIG's lights must comply as closely as possible, as determined by her government.") is correct because this specific situation (WIG craft or hydrofoil vessels operating at high speeds being unable to comply with the mandated light spacings) is addressed directly in the **International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)**, Annex I, Section 5(a). This section recognizes that certain high-speed vessels may have construction limitations preventing strict compliance with the vertical and horizontal light spacing requirements outlined in Rule 21(b) and Annex I. In such cases, the lights must comply as closely as possible to the rules, and this determination is officially established and certified by the government of the state whose flag the vessel is entitled to fly. Option B is incorrect because substituting an all-round light for a masthead light and a stern light is not the prescribed solution for WIG crafts facing spacing constraints. Rule 23 and Annex I specify the required configuration (masthead lights, sidelights, and stern light), and while Annex I provides leeway on spacing for WIGs, it does not permit substituting an all-round light for these specific navigational lights. Option C is incorrect because a vessel, especially a high-speed craft like a WIG, cannot simply omit required navigation lights. All prescribed lights are necessary for indicating the vessel's status and orientation to other mariners. The rule requires the vessel to comply as closely as possible, not to omit lights that are difficult to place correctly. Option D is incorrect because the premise of Annex I, Section 5(a) is that alteration may be impossible due to the inherent design and high-speed function of the WIG craft. The regulations explicitly acknowledge this limitation and provide an alternative compliance method (compliance as closely as possible, certified by the government) rather than requiring costly or impractical structural changes that might compromise the vessel's function.