Question 24 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of why option A is correct:** This scenario addresses a specific exemption provided in the **COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea)**, specifically **Annex I, Section 3(b)**, which deals with Technical Details of Lights and Shapes. This section acknowledges that certain vessels, such as WIG (Wing-in-Ground) craft, due to their unique operational requirements and design limitations, may be unable to comply fully with the exact specifications for the vertical or horizontal spacing of lights (like masthead lights). In such cases, the rule allows for a pragmatic approach: the craft's lights must comply with the requirements of the Annex **as closely as possible**, provided that the positioning of the lights is certified by the Administration (the vessel's government) as being the closest possible compliance. **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **B) An all-round light should be substituted for the after-masthead light and the stern light.** This is a common arrangement for certain small vessels or vessels constrained by size (like hovercraft in specific situations under Rule 23(c)(ii)), but it is not the universal or required solution for WIG craft specifically struggling with spacing requirements for standard masthead lights. The primary rule for WIG craft difficulties is maximizing compliance (Option A), not substituting lights unless specified otherwise. * **C) The WIG must carry only the lights that comply with the rules; the others may be omitted.** Omission is dangerous and generally prohibited. A vessel must carry the lights required for its class and operation (e.g., two masthead lights for a power-driven vessel over 50 meters). Omitting necessary lights would put the safety of navigation at risk and violate fundamental COLREGs requirements. * **D) The WIG must be altered to permit full compliance with the rules.** While full compliance is the ideal, this option ignores the specific technical and design constraints inherent to WIG craft that prevent such compliance (which is the premise of the question). COLREGs specifically provide the exemption (Option A) precisely because altering the craft might negate its operational purpose or be technically impossible.