Question 8 RVR02 - Master of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** The regulations governing the use of flashing lights on law enforcement vessels vary depending on jurisdiction (whether US Inland Waters or International COLREGS apply, and specific state/local rules). However, within the scope of typical US Inland regulations (often referencing the Inland Navigational Rules and sometimes incorporating state/local marine patrol guidelines), authorized emergency vessels (including law enforcement) are typically permitted to use specific combinations of lights to signify their status and mission. While a flashing blue light is the standard primary signal for law enforcement vessels in many jurisdictions, regulations often allow for alternate combinations when necessary for identification or signaling, especially during specific operations like patrol, search and rescue, or traffic control (such as at a regatta). An **alternately flashing red and yellow light** combination is a recognized signaling standard in some state or regional marine patrol guidelines (or adopted standards similar to those used by other emergency vehicles) to identify an official patrol or emergency vessel while maintaining regulatory compliance (especially since flashing red alone often signals danger or distress, and flashing yellow/amber is often used for towing/dredging/non-emergency hazard). The combination of red and yellow/amber flashing alternately is a specific identifying signature used by some emergency marine enforcement agencies. *** **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **B) a high intensity flashing white light (strobe):** A flashing white light (strobe) is generally reserved for use as an all-around light to indicate a high-speed craft, a vessel engaged in specific restricted operations, or is used strictly as a signaling device (e.g., distress signal) but is not typically the standard alternate marker for a law enforcement patrol vessel's operational status under Inland Rules. **C) two amber lights in a horizontal line:** Amber (yellow) flashing lights are typically used on vessels engaged in towing, dredging, survey operations, or other restricted maneuvering duties where warning is needed, but they are not the standard specific identifying markers for law enforcement vessels in lieu of blue or the red/yellow combination. **D) a fixed green light over a red flashing light:** This combination is incorrect. A green light is used for sidelights, and when paired with a red light, typically defines the starboard/port boundaries. Using a fixed green over a flashing red does not conform to the authorized emergency light signaling standards for law enforcement vessels.