Question 46 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation of Correct Option (A):** Option A ("The vessel's lights must comply as closely as possible.") is correct because it directly reflects the exception provided in the Inland Navigation Rules regarding certain lights on vessels when compliance is determined to be impossible due to structural constraints. Rule 1(c) of the Inland Rules (General Application and Compliance) states that if the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard operates determines that a vessel cannot comply with the rules concerning the spacing of masthead lights or side lights because of the fitting of the vessel, the vessel's lights must comply as closely as possible to the rules. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** **B) The vessel must be altered to permit full compliance with the rules.** This is incorrect. The premise of the question is that the Secretary has already determined the vessel *cannot* comply with the spacing requirement. Requiring alteration when the impossibility of compliance has already been established negates the purpose of the exception rule. **C) An all-round light should be substituted for the after-masthead light and the stern light.** This is incorrect. While substitution of lights is permitted under certain circumstances (such as replacing a masthead light and stern light with a single all-round light on power-driven vessels less than 12 meters), this specific remedy is for small vessel simplification, not for addressing mandatory spacing determined to be impossible due to structural constraints on larger vessels. **D) The vessel must carry only the lights that comply with the rules; the others may be omitted.** This is incorrect and potentially dangerous. The rules require specific lights to be shown for safety and collision avoidance. Omitting required lights entirely is a violation and would make the vessel non-compliant and unsafe. The requirement is to comply *as closely as possible*, not to omit lights.