Question 8 RVR01 - Master of Unlimited Tonnage

The Correct Answer is A ### Explanation for Option A (Correct) Option A, **"an alternately flashing red and yellow light,"** is correct because it is the specific alternate signaling configuration permitted for law enforcement vessels operating on inland waters in the United States, as defined by the Inland Navigational Rules (specifically 33 CFR § 88.11). Rule 88.11(a) states that a law enforcement vessel may exhibit a flashing blue light when engaged in official duties. Rule 88.11(b) provides the alternate allowance: "In lieu of a flashing blue light, a law enforcement vessel may, at its option, exhibit an **alternately flashing red and yellow light**... after a vessel is stopped, or while assisting a vessel or vessels at the scene of an accident, fire, or other emergency." This configuration is recognized as an official law enforcement signal on U.S. inland waters. ### Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect **B) a high intensity flashing white light (strobe):** While emergency vehicles sometimes use white strobes, the Inland Rules (33 CFR § 88.07) specify that a high intensity flashing white light is reserved for vessels engaged in **search and rescue (SAR)** operations, not routine law enforcement patrol or assistance at an accident scene. Therefore, it is not the authorized alternate signal for a law enforcement vessel. **C) two amber lights in a horizontal line:** Amber (or yellow) lights are generally used to denote special operations such as towing (flashing yellow) or dredging/surveying (yellow over yellow). Two amber lights in a horizontal line do not have an authorized meaning in the Inland Rules for law enforcement duties. **D) a fixed green light over a red flashing light:** This combination is not authorized for law enforcement or general emergency signaling. Fixed green lights are part of the required sidelights (starboard) or arc of visibility for fishing vessels, while a green over red light configuration is reserved specifically for a **trawler or vessel engaged in fishing other than trawling**. Combining it with a flashing red light would confuse navigational meaning.