Question 44 TV03 - Towing Vessels - Western Rivers

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (less than 12 meters in length) being correct:** The Inland Navigation Rules (specifically 33 CFR § 83.23(d)(3) and the equivalent international rule, Annex I, Section 3) contain specifications for the positioning and technical details of lights. For a power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length, the rules permit the masthead light (or all-round white light, which serves as the masthead light for vessels under 12m) to be offset from the fore and aft centerline if it is impracticable to place it on the centerline, provided the offset position does not interfere with the prescribed arc of visibility. This exemption acknowledges the space constraints and structural design difficulties on very small vessels. **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **B) which has separate sidelights carried on the outboard extremes of the vessel's breadth:** The positioning of sidelights (at the maximum breadth) is standard practice and mandatory for certain sized vessels, but this placement does not grant permission to move the masthead light off the centerline. The masthead light must generally remain on the fore and aft centerline unless a specific length exemption applies. * **C) engaged in fishing:** Vessels engaged in fishing display specific lights (red over white all-round lights) which replace or supplement the standard masthead light depending on their size. However, the rule governing the positioning of the masthead light (fore and aft centerline) still generally applies to the placement of the navigational lights on the hull, regardless of the vessel's operation, unless the vessel falls under the specific size exemption (less than 12 meters). * **D) less than 20 meters in length:** While 20 meters is a significant threshold in the Rules (e.g., for sound signals and certain technical requirements), the specific rule that grants permission to offset the masthead light due to impracticability applies only to vessels **less than 12 meters** in length. Vessels between 12 and 20 meters must generally adhere strictly to the centerline placement requirement.