Question 27 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

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 engaged in pushing ahead or towing alongside (making up a composite unit or rigidly connected) when operating **INLAND ONLY** on the Western Rivers, specifically above the Huey P. Long Bridge. The relevant regulation is found in the **Inland Navigation Rules**, Rule 24 (Towing and Pushing), specifically addressing Western Rivers and certain other waters. For a vessel engaged in pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers: 1. **Sidelights** are required (red and green lights visible from the front and sides). 2. The vessel must exhibit **two towing lights** in a vertical line (yellow lights), positioned at the stern where the white stern light would normally be. These regulations differ significantly from the general requirements for towing outside the Western Rivers or for vessels not engaged in towing/pushing. The Inland Rules prioritize showing the two towing lights (in place of the standard single stern light) and the sidelights. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) one masthead light, sidelights, and stern light** * **Incorrect:** This configuration describes a standard power-driven vessel less than 50 meters in length, **not** a vessel engaged in towing/pushing. Furthermore, on the Western Rivers, a pushing vessel requires two towing lights, not a single stern light. **B) two masthead lights, sidelights, and stern light** * **Incorrect:** This configuration describes a standard power-driven vessel 50 meters or more in length, **not** a vessel engaged in towing/pushing. It incorrectly includes a single stern light instead of the required two towing lights for the Western Rivers operation. **D) two masthead lights, sidelights, and two towing lights** * **Incorrect:** While this option correctly identifies the sidelights and the two towing lights, it incorrectly includes **two masthead lights**. On the Western Rivers, vessels engaged in pushing ahead or towing alongside do **not** exhibit the masthead lights (either one or two). They rely on the sidelights and the special vertical arrangement of two towing lights to indicate their operation.