Question 17 UFV02 - Mate - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation for Option B (Sidelights and a stern light) being correct:** The lighting requirements for vessels being towed are detailed in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 24 (Towing and Pushing). A single vessel being towed, whether it is towed astern or alongside, is required to show the lights for a vessel under way, but is **not** required to show the masthead lights prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i). Rule 24(a) states: "A vessel when being towed or when pushing another vessel ahead, in a composite unit, shall exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii) of these Rules, as appropriate, and additionally, when the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, a diamond shape where it can best be seen." Rule 23(a)(ii) prescribes the lights for a vessel under way of less than 50 metres in length: * Sidelights. * A stern light. * One masthead light forward. However, Rule 24(e) provides an exception for towed vessels: **"A vessel or object being towed shall show only the sidelights and stern light and not the masthead light(s)."** Therefore, a single vessel being towed alongside must show the lights required for a vessel underway, minus the masthead light(s): **sidelights and a stern light**. **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **A) One all-round white light:** This configuration (one all-round white light) is reserved for small vessels (less than 7 metres in length or vessels under oars) only when it is impracticable to show the standard under-way lights (Rule 25(d)). It is not the standard requirement for a vessel being towed. * **C) A masthead light, sidelights, and a stern light:** This is the standard lighting configuration for a vessel under way (Rule 23). However, Rule 24(e) specifically exempts the vessel being towed from displaying the masthead light(s). * **D) Only the outboard sidelight and a stern light:** COLREGs Rule 24(e) requires the vessel being towed to show "the sidelights and stern light." Sidelights, by definition, include both the port and starboard lights, visible across the required arcs (Rule 21). You cannot show only the outboard sidelight.