Question 25 ONC07 - OUPV-Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is B **Why Option B ("less than 12 meters in length") is correct:** Rule 23(c)(i) of the Inland Rules specifies exceptions for the placement of lights on vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length. For these small vessels, the masthead light (or all-round white light, which serves as both anchor and masthead light if applicable) may be placed off the fore and aft centerline if it is "impracticable" to place it on the centerline, provided the displacement does not interfere with the proper sector coverage mandated by Rule 23(c)(ii). This is the explicit exception in the rules allowing the masthead light to be placed "at other than the fore and aft centerline." **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 separately) does not affect the mandatory centerline placement requirement for the masthead light, unless the vessel falls under the specific length exceptions (like those less than 12 meters). **C) engaged in fishing:** While fishing vessels (especially trawlers) have unique light placement requirements (displaying lights vertically, etc.), the rules governing the placement of the masthead light relative to the fore and aft centerline (Rule 23(a)(i)) apply generally to all power-driven vessels, unless the specific exception for vessel length (less than 12m) is met. A vessel engaged in fishing that is 12 meters or longer must still comply with the centerline placement rule. **D) less than 20 meters in length:** The specific exception regarding the off-center placement of the masthead light is granted only to vessels **less than 12 meters** in length (Rule 23(c)(i)). Vessels between 12 meters and 20 meters must still adhere to the general requirement that the masthead light must be on the fore and aft centerline.