Question 27 ONC07 - OUPV-Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C ("sidelights and two towing lights") is Correct This question pertains specifically to the lighting requirements for a power-driven vessel **when pushing ahead or towing alongside** while operating **INLAND ONLY** on the **Western Rivers** (above mile 106.1 on the Mississippi River). The Inland Navigation Rules (specifically Rule 24(g) regarding Towing and Pushing) provide a specific exception for power-driven vessels pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers (or in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway). Under Inland Rule 24(g): 1. **Sidelights** are required. 2. The vessel must show **two towing lights** in a vertical line instead of the usual stern light. 3. The vessel is specifically **exempted** from showing the masthead lights (either one or two) normally required for towing vessels under general rules (Inland Rule 24(a) and 24(c)). Therefore, the required configuration is sidelights and two towing lights. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) one masthead light, sidelights, and stern light** * **Incorrect:** This configuration describes a standard power-driven vessel under 50 meters in length, not a vessel engaged in towing/pushing. It also incorrectly substitutes a single stern light for the required two towing lights and includes a masthead light which is not required under the Western Rivers exception. **B) two masthead lights, sidelights, and stern light** * **Incorrect:** This configuration describes a towing vessel under 50 meters on the high seas or under general inland rules **when towing astern** (if it were showing the required three masthead lights for towing astern, or two for general towing, but not the specific pushing/alongside scenario). Crucially, it fails to use the two required towing lights and incorrectly includes masthead lights, which are exempt under the Western Rivers exception. **D) two masthead lights, sidelights, and two towing lights** * **Incorrect:** This configuration is close to what might be required for a towing vessel *not* operating under the Western Rivers exception, but it is incorrect because the Western Rivers exception (Inland Rule 24(g)) explicitly exempts the vessel from showing the required masthead lights.