Question 25 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is B **Why option B ("less than 12 meters in length") is correct:** Rule 23(a)(i) of the Inland Rules (which mirrors Rule 23(a)(i) of the COLREGs) states that a power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit a masthead light forward. However, Rule 23(a)(ii) and the associated Annex I, Section 3(b) (Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes) provide specific exceptions for small vessels. Annex I, Section 3(b) states that **vessels less than 12 meters in length** are generally exempt from the requirement to have their masthead light (or all-round light used as a masthead light) on the fore and aft centerline if it is not practicable to do so, provided that the light is otherwise positioned where the fore and aft centerline passes through it. More commonly, for vessels less than 12 meters, the flexibility regarding light placement often means the all-round white light (which serves as the masthead light and stern light combined) can be offset from the centerline to accommodate structures, engines, or equipment, as long as the offset is minimal and does not confuse the observer. **Why the other options are incorrect:** **A) which has separate sidelights carried on the outboard extremes of the vessel's breadth:** The location of the sidelights (even if carried out at the maximum breadth) does not affect the specific requirement for the masthead light to be located on the fore and aft centerline for standard vessels. **C) engaged in fishing:** A vessel engaged in fishing (except for those small vessels that already fall under the less than 12m or less than 20m exceptions) must still comply with the general requirement that the masthead light (if carried, or the second masthead light required for certain fishing configurations) be placed on the fore and aft centerline. The activity of fishing itself does not grant an exemption from centerline placement. **D) less than 20 meters in length:** While vessels less than 20 meters in length have other specific relaxations regarding lighting (e.g., combining the masthead and stern light into a single all-round light, or carrying sidelights in a combined lantern), the primary relaxation allowing the masthead light to be offset from the fore and aft centerline is specifically granted to **vessels less than 12 meters** (Annex I, 3(b)). Vessels between 12 and 20 meters must still adhere to the centerline placement rule unless they qualify for the 12-meter exception.