Question 25 ONC04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Why Option B ("less than 12 meters in length") is correct:** Rule 23(c)(i) of the Inland Rules (which deals with power-driven vessels underway) provides specific relaxations for vessels less than 12 meters in length. For such vessels, the rules allow for practical exceptions in the placement of required lights. Specifically, the masthead light (or the all-round white light used in its place on smaller vessels) may be offset from the fore and aft centerline if it is not practical to place it on the centerline, provided the directional characteristics of the light are maintained. This addresses the constraints of small boat design. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) which has separate sidelights carried on the outboard extremes of the vessel's breadth:** While placing sidelights on the outboard extremes is common and required for larger vessels, the placement of the sidelights does not inherently grant an exception for offsetting the masthead light. The exception for masthead light placement is based primarily on vessel size (less than 12 meters), not the location of the sidelights. * **C) engaged in fishing:** Vessels engaged in fishing (trawling, etc.) have special requirements for displaying fishing lights, but they must still display a masthead light (or secondary masthead light) if over a certain length. This operational status does not provide a general exception allowing the masthead light to be offset from the centerline; the light's placement must still comply with the general rules applicable to the vessel's size category. * **D) less than 20 meters in length:** Vessels less than 20 meters in length benefit from certain simplifications (e.g., combining the masthead light with the stern light), but the specific relaxation allowing the masthead light to be located *off* the fore and aft centerline is limited exclusively to vessels **less than 12 meters in length** (Rule 23(c)(i)). Vessels between 12 and 20 meters must still typically maintain the centerline placement.