Question 44 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (less than 12 meters in length) being correct:** The question refers to the US Inland Navigation Rules, which align with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) regarding small vessels, specifically Rule 23 (Power-driven vessels underway). Rule 23(b) and the corresponding Annex I (Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes) provide exceptions for vessels under 12 meters in length. Specifically, Annex I, Section 3(b) states that on vessels less than 12 meters in length, the masthead light (or all-round white light serving as the masthead light) may be located off the fore-and-aft centerline if it is impracticable to place it on the centerline, provided that the sidelights are combined in one lantern carried on the fore-and-aft centerline of the vessel or are placed as far forward as is practicable. This rule acknowledges the physical constraints of very small boats, making option A the specific exception that allows for the masthead light to be located off the centerline. **Explanation of why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) which has separate sidelights carried on the outboard extremes of the vessel's breadth:** The positioning of the masthead light relative to the centerline is primarily determined by the vessel's length (size), not the placement or separation of the sidelights. While sidelights are typically placed at the maximum breadth, this arrangement does not automatically grant permission to move the masthead light off the centerline. The specific exception is tied to vessel length (less than 12m or less than 20m, depending on the specific rule detail being referenced, but the most permissive rule is for under 12m). * **C) engaged in fishing:** A vessel's operational status (like fishing) dictates the *type* and *position* of its special identification lights (e.g., green over white all-round lights), but it does not generally exempt the vessel from the requirement to place the *masthead light* (the forward driving light) on the fore-and-aft centerline, unless that vessel also meets the length exemption (i.e., less than 12m). A fishing vessel over 12 meters must generally maintain the centerline position for the masthead light. * **D) less than 20 meters in length:** While vessels under 20 meters have certain relaxed requirements (such as the visibility range of the lights), the specific exception allowing the masthead light to be placed *off the fore and aft centerline* is specifically reserved for vessels under **12 meters** (Annex I, Section 3(b)). Vessels between 12 and 20 meters are still generally required to position the masthead light on the centerline unless impractical conditions apply, but the clearest regulatory exception for non-centerline placement is granted to those under 12 meters.