Question 32 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is A. ### Why Option A ("not under command") is correct: The illustration D084RR shows a vessel exhibiting two all-round red lights displayed one above the other. According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) Rule 27(a) (Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver) and Inland Rules (33 CFR § 83.27), a vessel that is **not under command** shall exhibit: 1. **Two all-round red lights** in a vertical line where they can best be seen. 2. When making way through the water, masthead lights, sidelights, and sternlight. 3. When stopped, just the two all-round red lights and the sternlight (if International). Since the primary identifying signal shown is the two vertical all-round red lights, the vessel is described as "not under command." ### Why the other options are incorrect: **B) showing improper lights:** This option is incorrect because the lights displayed (two vertical all-round red lights) are prescribed and proper lights for a specific condition (Not Under Command). **C) dredging:** This describes a vessel engaged in "restricted in her ability to maneuver." A vessel engaged in **dredging** (when restricted in its ability to maneuver at anchor or underway) must show different lights, typically: two all-round red lights (obstruction side) and two all-round green lights (passable side), in addition to the lights for a power-driven vessel or the anchor light(s). The signal shown here is specifically for "Not Under Command," not the complex signal required for dredging. **D) towing:** A vessel **towing** (if the tow is under 200 meters) displays two masthead lights in a vertical line, plus the usual sidelights and sternlight. If the tow is 200 meters or more, it displays three masthead lights in a vertical line. It does not display two all-round red lights.