Question 26 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is D ### 2. Why Option D is Correct **D) An all-round white light may be carried in lieu of the second masthead light and stern light.** This statement reflects a specific modification allowed under the U.S. Inland Rules, **Annex V (Special Rules for the Great Lakes)**. Section 1(c) of Annex V states that a Great Lakes vessel may carry an all-round white light in place of the second masthead light and the stern light. This configuration is typically used when the all-round light is placed high enough (usually aft) to provide the requisite visibility aft, thereby combining the function of the second masthead light (required for length) and the stern light (required for visibility astern) into a single light source. ### 3. Why the Other Options Are Incorrect **A) Great Lakes vessels are exempted from the requirement to show yellow towing lights.** This is incorrect. The U.S. Inland Rules (Rule 24) mandate that when towing astern, a vessel must display two vertical yellow lights in addition to the masthead lights and side lights. This requirement applies fully to vessels operating on the Great Lakes under the Inland Rules. **B) Sidelights for vessels over 50 meters are required to have only a two-mile range of visibility.** This is incorrect. According to Inland Rule 22 (Visibility of Lights), vessels 50 meters or more in length must have: * Masthead lights visible for **6 miles**. * Sidelights and Stern lights visible for **3 miles**. The 2-mile visibility requirement for sidelights applies only to vessels less than 20 meters in length. **C) The showing of a forward masthead light is optional for vessels under 150 meters.** This is incorrect. Inland Rule 23(a) requires *all* power-driven vessels underway to show a forward masthead light (except for very small vessels under 12 meters that may use alternative configurations). The requirement for the *forward* masthead light is mandatory for a vessel of 150 meters or less, not optional. The only light that might become optional based on length is the **second (after) masthead light**, which is required only for vessels 50 meters or more in length.