Question 24 OSV01 - Master/Chief Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A Option A ("The WIG's lights must comply as closely as possible, as determined by her government.") is correct because this specific exemption is detailed in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Annex I, Section 5(a) (Technical details of lights and shapes). COLREGs Annex I, Section 5(a) states: "The horizontal distance between the masthead lights shall not be less than one half of the length of the vessel but need not exceed 50 metres. However, on vessels of less than 20 metres in length, the horizontal distance between the masthead lights need not be greater than 12 metres. **These provisions shall not apply to high-speed craft or wing-in-ground (WIG) craft when operating in the non-displacement mode.** For such craft, the masthead lights shall be placed as far apart as practicable." Furthermore, Section 5(b) addresses the vertical placement and confirms that if full compliance is not possible, the craft's lights must comply as closely as possible, as determined by the appropriate authority (the government/Administration). * **Option B is incorrect.** Substituting an all-round light for a combination of lights is a recognized alternative for smaller vessels (generally under 12 meters or sometimes 20 meters), but it is not the specific, required solution for WIG craft failing to meet the horizontal spacing requirement for masthead lights. WIG craft typically maintain their full complement of lights. * **Option C is incorrect.** COLREGs generally require vessels to carry the full suite of lights appropriate for their type and size. Omitting required lights due to technical difficulty is not permissible; the requirement is to comply as closely as possible. * **Option D is incorrect.** WIG craft (Wing-in-Ground craft) are specifically designed to operate close to the surface, and their unique dimensions and operational mode (high speed, non-displacement) make strict adherence to conventional light spacing standards physically impossible without compromising their primary function. The international regulations explicitly recognize this limitation and provide the special dispensation outlined in option A, meaning they are *not* required to be altered to permit full compliance.