Question 17 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Sidelights and a stern light):** The lighting requirements for vessels being towed are governed by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 24 (Towing and Pushing) and Rule 27 (Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre). Rule 24(e) states that a vessel or object being towed (other than those specified in paragraph (g)—an inconspicuous composite tow) shall exhibit: (i) **Sidelights** (ii) **A stern light** A vessel being towed alongside is still considered "being towed" and must therefore show the lights of a vessel under way but not under command (as they cannot use their own lights to indicate propulsion/size), which are the standard navigation lights: sidelights and a stern light. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **A) One all-round white light:** This light configuration is typically reserved for small vessels (less than 7 meters, speed less than 7 knots) as an alternative to the standard navigation lights (Rule 23(d)) or for vessels at anchor (Rule 30). It is not the prescribed light for a vessel being towed alongside. * **C) A masthead light, sidelights, and a stern light:** A masthead light indicates a power-driven vessel under way (Rule 23(a)). Since the vessel being towed alongside is not under its own power and should not be indicating itself as a fully powered vessel, the masthead light is specifically omitted from the required lights for a tow (Rule 24(e)). * **D) Only the outboard sidelight and a stern light:** While this configuration (or similar variations) is used by vessels being pushed ahead (Rule 24(c)) or, in specific contexts, by vessels being towed in groups, a single vessel being towed alongside must show both sidelights (in accordance with Rule 24(e)(i)) unless otherwise hidden by the towing vessel. The requirement is for sidelights, not just the outboard one.