Question 27 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C (sidelights and two towing lights) is correct: This question specifically addresses the lighting requirements for a power-driven vessel engaged in pushing ahead or towing alongside (making it a composite unit or a pushing/towing arrangement) when operating **INLAND ONLY** on the **Western Rivers** (specifically above mile 106.1 on the Mississippi River, which falls under Western Rivers rules). The Inland Navigation Rules, specifically Rule 24(j) (Towing and Pushing), provides special requirements for these vessels when operating on the Western Rivers or certain designated waters: > "A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers or other waters designated by the Secretary, except the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River above the mouth of the St. Regis River, shall exhibit **the side lights** and **two towing lights** in a vertical line." Therefore, the required configuration is sidelights and two towing lights (which are yellow lights). Crucially, these vessels **do not** exhibit the white masthead or range lights that are typically required for towing/pushing vessels on other waters, nor do they exhibit a stern light. ### Why the other options are incorrect: **A) one masthead light, sidelights, and stern light** * **Incorrect:** This configuration describes a standard power-driven vessel (not towing/pushing) under 50 meters in length. It omits the required towing lights and includes a masthead light and stern light, neither of which are permitted for pushing/towing vessels on the Western Rivers under Rule 24(j). **B) two masthead lights, sidelights, and stern light** * **Incorrect:** This configuration describes a standard power-driven vessel (not towing/pushing) 50 meters or more in length. It omits the required towing lights and includes masthead lights and a stern light, which are not used for this specific operation on the Western Rivers. **D) two masthead lights, sidelights, and two towing lights** * **Incorrect:** While this option includes the sidelights and the two required towing lights, it also incorrectly includes two white masthead lights. Rule 24(j) specifically dictates that vessels pushing/towing on the Western Rivers shall exhibit only the sidelights and the two towing lights (yellow lights) and shall **not** exhibit the white masthead/range lights required by Rule 24(a), (b), or (c).