Question 32 TV02 - Towing Vessels - Great Lakes and Inland

The Correct Answer is A. ### Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer) Option A, **"not under command"**, is correct because the vessel shown in illustration D084RR is displaying two vertical all-round red lights. According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs Rule 27(a)) and the Inland Rules, a vessel that is **not under command (NUC)**—meaning she is unable to maneuver as required by the Rules—must exhibit: 1. **Two all-round red lights in a vertical line** where they can best be seen. 2. Sidelights and a sternlight when making way through the water (which the illustration also shows, implying the vessel may be drifting or moving due to current). The two vertical all-round red lights are the defining characteristic of a vessel not under command. *** ### Explanation of Incorrect Options **B) showing improper lights:** This option is incorrect because the lights displayed (two vertical all-round red lights, sidelights, and a sternlight) are the *proper* lights prescribed by the Rules for a specific condition (Not Under Command). **C) dredging:** This option is incorrect. A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations displays lights to indicate the side on which it is obstructed and the side on which another vessel may pass. Typically, this involves three vertical lights: an all-round red light, an all-round white light, and an all-round red light (R-W-R), or green-over-green lights to indicate the safe side. Two vertical red lights specifically indicate NUC. **D) towing:** This option is incorrect. A power-driven vessel engaged in towing exhibits two or three vertical masthead lights (depending on the length of the tow), sidelights, a sternlight, and a towing light (a yellow light above the sternlight). Two vertical all-round red lights are not used for towing.