Question 29 ONC04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Why option A ("2") is correct:** The question specifies a vessel that is: 1. Anchored. 2. Operating **INLAND ONLY** (meaning it follows the U.S. Inland Rules, though usually anchor light requirements are the same or stricter than International). 3. A barge (which typically means it is an inconspicuous, partially submerged, or towed vessel). 4. More than 50 meters long. 5. Anchored in a Secretary-approved "special anchorage area." According to the U.S. Inland Rules of the Road, Rule 30(e) addresses anchoring in special anchorage areas: > A vessel of less than 20 meters in length, when anchored in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary, **shall not be required to show the anchor lights prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule.** This rule provides an **exception** for small vessels (less than 20 meters). However, the barge in question is **more than 50 meters long**, meaning the exception does **not** apply. Therefore, the standard requirements for an anchored vessel must be followed, which are outlined in Rule 30(a) and (b): * **Rule 30(a):** A vessel at anchor shall exhibit forward, an all-round white light. * **Rule 30(b):** A vessel of **100 meters or more** in length, when at anchor, shall exhibit the light prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule and an additional all-round white light or more near the stern, and shall use available working or equivalent lights to illuminate its decks. While the barge is over 50 meters, it is less than 100 meters, so Rule 30(b) (which requires two lights) seems not to apply immediately. However, the specific requirement for barges is found in **Rule 30(c) and Annex V** (Pilot Rules for Inland Waters, specifically regarding unmanned vessels and barges): U.S. Inland Annex V, Section 3, specifies the lights required for unmanned vessels (like most barges) at anchor: > (a) An unmanned vessel at anchor shall exhibit: > (ii) When the barge is **more than 50 meters in length**, two all-round white lights, one at each end of the barge or single tow. Since the barge is over 50 meters, it must display **two** all-round white lights, one at each end, even when anchored in a special anchorage area (as the special anchorage exemption only applies to vessels under 20 meters). **Why other options are incorrect:** * **B) 1:** One light is only required for unmanned vessels (barges) 50 meters or less in length (Annex V, 3(a)(i)). Since this barge is more than 50 meters, one light is insufficient. * **C) 3:** Three or more anchor lights are typically required only for very large vessels (100 meters or more) that are carrying deck illumination lights (Rule 30(b)), or for certain special cases of multiple barges moored together, but not standard for a single barge over 50 meters. * **D) None:** No lights are only permitted for vessels less than 20 meters in length when anchored specifically within a Secretary-approved special anchorage area (Rule 30(e)). Since the barge is more than 50 meters long, the exemption does not apply, and lights must be shown.