Question 49 RVR04 - Master or Mate of LT 200 GRT

The Correct Answer is A ### Explanation of Why Option A is Correct Option A ("Sidelights and a special flashing light") is correct based on U.S. Inland Rules, specifically Rule 24 (Towing and Pushing) and the special provisions regarding the lighting of barges when operating on certain inland waters (like the Western Rivers or specific harbors, though generally applied to inland pushing situations). 1. **Sidelights:** A barge being pushed ahead, regardless of whether it's part of a composite unit or not, is considered a vessel "underway" and must display the regulation lights identifying its sides (red on port, green on starboard) to show its width and direction to approaching vessels. 2. **Special Flashing Light:** Inland Rule 24(g) allows for specific configurations of tows operating on the Western Rivers and certain other inland waters. For a barge being pushed ahead, the requirement is often met by displaying the mandatory **special flashing light** (a yellow light exhibiting a fixed or periodically flashing light over an arc of 180 to 225 degrees, typically installed near the head or bow of the leading barge) to indicate the vessel is part of a tow being pushed. ### Explanation of Why Other Options are Incorrect **B) Sidelights, a towing light, and a stern light** * **Incorrect:** A **towing light** (an extra masthead light or yellow stern light displayed above the regular stern light, indicating towing/pushing *astern*) is displayed by the towing vessel, not the barge being pushed ahead. A barge being pushed ahead (the leading vessel of the tow) does not typically display a white stern light. **C) Sidelights, a special flashing light, and a stern light** * **Incorrect:** While sidelights and the special flashing light are required, the addition of a **stern light** (a single white light visible from dead astern) is incorrect for a leading barge being pushed ahead. The leading barge's main required identifying lights (besides the sidelights) are generally forward, especially the special flashing light. **D) Sidelights and a stern light** * **Incorrect:** This configuration omits the critical light that identifies the vessel as a pushed barge in an inland tow—the **special flashing light**. This option describes lights typically used by an ordinary power-driven vessel of less than 50 meters or an ordinary vessel at anchor (if anchor lights were included), not a pushed barge.