Question 2 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (flashing blue light):** In many jurisdictions, particularly under U.S. Inland Rules and state regulations, a law enforcement vessel is authorized to display a flashing or intermittent blue light when engaged in official duties. This light is a recognized signal identifying the vessel as a police or patrol boat and typically requires other vessels to exercise caution or yield the right of way. **Why Option B (flashing amber light) is incorrect:** A flashing amber (or yellow) light is generally used to denote a towing vessel, a dredging or surveying operation, or certain restricted maneuvering situations (like an air-cushion vessel showing non-displacement mode). It is not the standard identifying signal for a law enforcement vessel. **Why Option C (blue flag) is incorrect:** Flags, such as the International Code Signal flags, are primarily used for communication (e.g., flag 'A' for diver down). While law enforcement vessels may fly national or departmental flags, a blue flag is not a standardized navigational light or shape signal required or authorized specifically to identify a law enforcement boat under the navigation rules. **Why Option D (flashing red light) is incorrect:** A flashing red light is typically used for navigation aids (buoys) or, in certain contexts, by vessels engaged in specific activities like dredging when moored. A continuous or rapid flashing red light might also be associated with emergency situations in some non-maritime contexts, but it is not the standard, legally defined identifying signal for a law enforcement patrol boat under Inland Rules. The standard identifying color for maritime law enforcement is blue.