Question 2 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown in illustration D017RR below and will pass without changing course. Which light will vessel "A" observe on vessel "B"?

Diagram for USCG RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown in...
A green sidelight
B yellow towing light
C white stern light
D None of the above
AI Explanation

The Correct Answer is C. ### Explanation for Option C (white stern light) **Option C ("white stern light") is correct because Vessel A is overtaking Vessel B.** 1. **Definition of Overtaking:** A vessel is defined as overtaking if it approaches another vessel from a direction more than $22.5^\circ$ abaft (behind) the beam of the vessel being overtaken. In this scenario, Vessel A is overtaking Vessel B, meaning Vessel A is situated almost directly behind Vessel B. 2. **Required Lights for Overtaking:** The vessel being overtaken (Vessel B) must display a **white stern light** (or masthead lights and sidelights, if observed from the front/side). The stern light is a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern, shining over an arc of the horizon of $135^\circ$ ($67.5^\circ$ on each side of the vessel). 3. **Observation by Overtaking Vessel:** Since Vessel A is approaching from the stern (behind) of Vessel B, the only navigation light Vessel A will see displayed by Vessel B is the $135^\circ$ arc of the **white stern light**. ### Explanation of Incorrect Options **A) green sidelight:** The green sidelight is displayed on the starboard (right) side and covers an arc of $112.5^\circ$ forward. Because Vessel A is overtaking Vessel B (approaching from the stern), the position of Vessel A is well outside the arc covered by Vessel B's green sidelight. **B) yellow towing light:** The yellow towing light is required only if Vessel B is engaged in towing operations, and it is displayed above the stern light. Unless specified that Vessel B is towing, its presence cannot be assumed. Even if it were present, the primary and required light visible from the stern is the white stern light. **D) None of the above:** This is incorrect because the white stern light is the specific light required by the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) to be displayed toward an overtaking vessel.

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