Question 26 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D is correct:** Option D is a direct application of Rule 23(d)(i) of the Inland Rules (which apply to the Great Lakes). This rule provides a specific exception for power-driven vessels navigating the Great Lakes: A power-driven vessel of less than 50 meters in length may carry an all-round white light in lieu of the second (aft or higher) masthead light and the stern light. This streamlined lighting configuration is unique to smaller vessels on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, and certain other inland waters. **Why the other options are incorrect:** **A) Great Lakes vessels are exempted from the requirement to show yellow towing lights.** This is incorrect. When towing, Inland Rules vessels (including those on the Great Lakes) are required to show special yellow towing lights (which must be shown vertically above or below the stern light) in addition to their regular masthead and sidelights. The requirement is for two or three vertically arranged masthead lights, plus two yellow towing lights arranged vertically. **B) Sidelights for vessels over 50 meters are required to have only a two-mile range of visibility.** This is incorrect. According to Annex I, Section 2(a) of the Inland Rules (Technical Details of Lights), sidelights for vessels 50 meters or more in length are required to have a minimum range of visibility of **three** nautical miles. The two-mile range applies only to vessels under 50 meters. **C) The showing of a forward masthead light is optional for vessels under 150 meters.** This is incorrect. The forward masthead light is mandatory for all power-driven vessels when underway, regardless of length, under Rule 23(a)(i). The length threshold of 150 meters is not relevant to making the forward masthead light optional.