Question 29 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is B Option B, **alternately flashing red and yellow light**, is correct because the Inland Navigational Rules (specifically 33 CFR § 83.36(c) for Inland Waters) permit a commercial vessel engaged in public safety activities—such as law enforcement, search and rescue, or fire fighting—to display an alternately flashing red and yellow light to signify its operational status. This light is intended to draw attention to the vessel's duties and indicate that it is operating outside the normal parameters of the Rules. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) flashing yellow light:** A flashing yellow (or amber) light is commonly used in Inland Waters to indicate an air-cushion vessel (hovercraft) operating in a non-displacement mode, or by certain towing vessels pushing ahead or hip towing. It is not the designated light signal for a public safety vessel engaging in search and rescue or law enforcement. * **C) alternately flashing blue and red light:** While flashing blue and red lights are often associated with emergency vehicles on land, the Inland Navigational Rules designate the *alternately flashing red and yellow* light for public safety vessels. Flashing blue lights alone are reserved for federal, state, or local law enforcement vessels when conducting law enforcement duties. Combining red and blue is not the standard specified light signal for general public safety operations under 33 CFR § 83.36(c). * **D) flashing blue light:** A flashing blue light is specifically reserved for **law enforcement vessels** (federal, state, or local) when actively engaged in law enforcement duties. While law enforcement is a type of public safety activity, the alternately flashing red and yellow light (Option B) is the appropriate signal for the broader category of "public safety activities" (e.g., search and rescue, fire fighting, or general safety patrols by commercial vessels).