Question 8 RVR05 - Master of LT 100 GRT

The Correct Answer is A **Why option A ("an alternately flashing red and yellow light") is correct:** The question asks for an alternate legal light configuration for a law enforcement vessel patrolling an inland regatta (suggesting applicability of Inland Rules and possibly state/local regulations). Federal Inland Navigation Rules (33 CFR Subchapter E, specifically Rule 21(e) regarding special flashing lights, and often supplemented by governing state laws) allow official patrol vessels to display a special flashing light (often blue or, in some jurisdictions, red, or combinations). The ability for official patrol vessels to use an alternately flashing red and yellow light is explicitly permitted under specific U.S. Coast Guard guidelines and state laws, often for the purpose of identifying the vessel as engaged in law enforcement or official safety duties, especially when a flashing blue light is also authorized or if the vessel is engaged in a security mission. This combination (alternating red/yellow) is a widely recognized and authorized special warning light pattern for official emergency or patrol vessels in marine environments, serving as a substitute or supplement to the flashing blue light. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **B) a high intensity flashing white light (strobe):** While some patrol vessels may use high-intensity white lights (strobes) as auxiliary warning lights, the primary identifying light signal required or authorized as an alternate to a flashing blue light for a law enforcement vessel is usually a specific color combination (like red/yellow or red/blue) under navigation rules. A flashing white light alone is too easily confused with standard navigation anchor or masthead lights, or specific regulatory lights (like those marking dredge pipes), and is not the standard legally recognized alternate identifier for a law enforcement vessel. * **C) two amber lights in a horizontal line:** Amber (yellow) lights are typically designated for vessels constrained by draft, air-cushion vessels in non-displacement mode, or, in some jurisdictions, specific commercial activities (e.g., towing or dredging operations). While some auxiliary tow vessels may use amber/yellow lights, this configuration is not the recognized statutory alternate for identifying a law enforcement vessel engaged in patrol duties, which requires a more distinct warning color (red or blue). * **D) a fixed green light over a red flashing light:** A fixed green light over a red light is the statutory signal for a fishing vessel engaged in trawling. Adding a flashing red light would violate the internationally and federally established standard lighting for trawlers and is not a recognized or authorized signal for law enforcement patrol vessels.