Question 29 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (2) being correct:** The scenario specifies a barge (a non-self-propelled vessel) more than 50 meters in length, anchored, and operating under Inland Rules (as indicated by "INLAND ONLY"). According to the U.S. Inland Navigation Rules (specifically, Annex V, Special Signals for Vessels Employed in Dredging, etc., which often references lights for anchored vessels of this type and size): 1. **Rule 30(a)** states that a vessel less than 50 meters in length, when at anchor, shall exhibit forward an all-round white light (or ball) and, at or near the stern, another all-round white light (or ball). 2. **Rule 30(b)** states that a vessel 50 meters or more in length shall exhibit the lights specified in (a) – meaning an all-round white light forward and another all-round white light aft. Because the barge is **more than 50 meters long** (and not self-propelled, which typically follows the same anchoring light requirements as standard vessels of that length), it is required to display **two** all-round white anchor lights: one forward and one aft. *Note on "special anchorage area": Rule 30(g) (Inland Rules) allows vessels less than 20 meters in length, or barges, narrow up to 50 meters in length, when anchored in a Secretary-approved special anchorage area, to not be required to exhibit anchor lights. However, this barge is **more than 50 meters long**, overriding the exception for smaller barges, and thus must show the standard lights for its length.* **Explanation for Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option B (1):** One light is only required for vessels **less than 50 meters** in length when anchored, provided they are not in a special anchorage area (where exceptions might apply). Since this barge is more than 50 meters long, one light is insufficient. * **Option C (3):** Three white anchor lights are not required under standard Inland or International rules for a vessel of this type and length when at anchor. Three lights might be used for specialized operations (like dredging) or for certain vessels run aground, but not standard anchoring. * **Option D (None):** The vessel is too large for the "special anchorage area" exception. While barges under 50 meters *may* show no lights in these areas (Rule 30(g)), a barge **over 50 meters** must always show the required two anchor lights.