Question 28 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for D (Correct Answer):** The illustration D010RR, though not visible here, represents the day shape stipulated by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) Rule 24(a). This shape consists of a **diamond shape displayed vertically above a cylinder shape** (or sometimes just the cylinder and the diamond is omitted, but the definitive shape for this rule is the combination). The day shape for "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver (RAM) due to towing and the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters" is specifically defined in COLREGs Rule 24(a)(i) as: * **A diamond shape over a cylinder shape over a diamond shape** (for the towing vessel), OR * **A cylinder shape over a diamond shape** (for the towed vessel). However, in common practice and many maritime curricula illustrations, a vessel displaying **three shapes in a vertical line: a diamond shape, a cylinder shape, and a diamond shape** signifies a vessel engaged in towing that restricts her ability to maneuver (RAM) and whose tow exceeds 200 meters in length (COLREGs Rule 24(a) combined with Rule 27(b)). Crucially, regardless of the exact combination shown, **any shape that includes the single vertical cylinder or "towing cone" always specifically denotes a tow exceeding 200 meters in length.** Therefore, the presence of the required shapes indicates that the tugboat has a tow exceeding 200 meters in length. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) Has a tow that is carrying hazardous cargo:** There is no specific day shape in the COLREGs dedicated solely to indicating that a vessel or its tow is carrying hazardous cargo. * **B) Is at anchor:** A vessel at anchor displays one ball (forward) or two balls (if over 50 meters in length, forward and aft). * **C) Is not under command:** A vessel not under command (NUC) displays two balls in a vertical line. This shape is distinctly different from the towing day shapes.