Question 29 OSV02 - Mate - Offshore Supply Vessels

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (2):** The question specifies a vessel operating **INLAND ONLY** (under the Inland Rules of the Road), which is a barge (a non-self-propelled vessel) and is **more than 50 meters long**. According to the U.S. Inland Navigation Rules (Rule 30, Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground) and associated Annexes (specifically Annex V, paragraph 2, concerning Anchor Lights/Signals): 1. **Vessels less than 50 meters** are required to show one forward anchor light (or ball) where it can best be seen. 2. **Vessels 50 meters or more in length** are required to show the normal forward anchor light, **and** a second anchor light at or near the stern, at a lower level than the forward light. (The rule requires two lights, one forward and one aft). Therefore, a barge over 50 meters long requires two white anchor lights. The exception regarding "special anchorage areas" only allows vessels under 20 meters to skip the required lights/signals; it does not exempt a barge over 50 meters from the standard lighting requirements. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) 1:** One light is only sufficient for vessels less than 50 meters in length (or for vessels under 20 meters anchored outside of a special anchorage area, where one light is mandatory). Since the barge is explicitly stated as being "more than 50 meters long," one light is insufficient. * **C) 3:** There is no requirement in Rule 30 (Inland or International) for a standard anchored vessel of this size to display three anchor lights. Three white lights arranged vertically are used for specific signals, such as a dredge working (day shape) or a vessel aground (night). * **D) None:** All anchored vessels, unless specifically exempted (vessels under 20 meters anchored in a "special anchorage area"), must display anchor lights. A vessel over 50 meters long cannot display none.