Question 27 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is C ### Why Option C (sidelights and two towing lights) is correct: The question specifies a power-driven vessel that is either pushing ahead or towing alongside (considered a single, composite unit for lighting purposes) operating **INLAND ONLY** on the Western Rivers (specifically above the Huey P. Long Bridge). The applicable regulations are found in the Inland Navigational Rules (33 CFR Subchapter E). **Rule 24(g) - Pushing Ahead or Towing Alongside on the Western Rivers and certain other waters:** Rule 24(g) establishes the specific lighting requirements for vessels pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers (above the Huey P. Long Bridge, etc.). 1. **Masthead Lights:** The requirement for these specific waters is **not** to show the usual towing masthead lights (Rule 24(a) or (c)). Instead, Rule 24(g)(i) specifies that the pushing vessel shall exhibit the required side lights. 2. **Sidelights:** Required by Rule 24(g)(i). 3. **Towing Lights (Stern Lights):** Rule 24(g)(ii) specifies that the pushing vessel shall exhibit **two towing lights** in a vertical line instead of a stern light. Therefore, the configuration for a pushing/towing alongside vessel on the Western Rivers is: **Sidelights and two towing lights.** ### Why the other options are incorrect: **A) one masthead light, sidelights, and stern light:** This configuration is generally reserved for a power-driven vessel *underway* (not towing), or sometimes specifically for a power-driven vessel towing astern that is under 20 meters in length (in certain configurations). It does not meet the requirement for two towing lights specified by Rule 24(g). **B) two masthead lights, sidelights, and stern light:** This is the standard lighting configuration for a power-driven vessel engaged in towing astern (tow length less than 200 meters) under the International Rules or most Inland Rules, **but not** on the Western Rivers when pushing ahead or towing alongside. Furthermore, it incorrectly substitutes a single stern light for the required two towing lights. **D) two masthead lights, sidelights, and two towing lights:** This configuration is typically used by a power-driven vessel towing astern (tow length less than 200 meters) when operating *Inland* (except on the Western Rivers and certain other waters), where a standard towing configuration requires masthead lights plus two towing lights instead of a stern light. However, Rule 24(g) specifically exempts vessels pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers from showing the towing masthead lights, making this option incorrect.