Question 27 ONC05 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C is Correct Option C, **"sidelights and two towing lights,"** is the correct configuration for a power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside exclusively on the Western Rivers (above the Huey P. Long Bridge on the Mississippi River at mile 106.1). This configuration is mandated by the **Inland Navigational Rules (33 CFR Subchapter E, specifically Rule 24(j) and its related annexes for Western Rivers).** * **Sidelights:** Required for any power-driven vessel underway. * **Two Towing Lights (vertically in a line):** Rule 24(j) states that a vessel engaged in pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers (or on waters specified by the Secretary) **shall exhibit the side lights and two towing lights in a vertical line instead of the towing light prescribed in paragraph (a)** (which prescribes a single towing light over the stern light for conventional towing). Crucially, the regulations for this specific geographic area **do not require the white masthead lights** when pushing ahead or towing alongside. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) one masthead light, sidelights, and stern light** * **Incorrect:** This configuration lacks the required towing lights. A single masthead light is typically used for smaller power-driven vessels not engaged in towing, and the rule for Western Rivers towing specifically substitutes the masthead light(s) with sidelights and two towing lights. **B) two masthead lights, sidelights, and stern light** * **Incorrect:** While two masthead lights are often associated with towing or long vessels under the International Rules, this configuration lacks the required towing lights (Rule 24(j) requires two towing lights in a vertical line). Furthermore, the Western Rivers rule for pushing ahead/towing alongside exempts the vessel from exhibiting masthead lights. **D) two masthead lights, sidelights, and two towing lights** * **Incorrect:** This option incorrectly includes two masthead lights. For a power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers, Rule 24(j) specifically requires the vessel to exhibit only the sidelights and the two towing lights, omitting the requirement for masthead lights.