Question 27 UFV02 - Mate - Uninspected Fishing Vessels

The Correct Answer is C ### Explanation for Option C (Correct) Option C, **sidelights and two towing lights**, is the correct configuration for a power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers (specifically the inland waters defined by these rules, like the Mississippi River above the Huey P. Long Bridge). This configuration is mandated by the **Inland Navigation Rules (33 CFR Part 89)**, which apply exclusively to vessels operating on Inland Waters. 1. **Sidelights:** Required to indicate the vessel's presence and direction of travel. 2. **Towing Lights:** Rule 24(a)(i) requires a vessel engaged in pushing ahead or towing alongside (when the length of the tow does not exceed 200 meters) to exhibit two vertical towing lights (yellow) in addition to the mandatory lights for the type of operation. However, on **Inland Waters**, Rule 24(g) provides a special exception for pushing ahead or towing alongside: * **Inland Rule 24(g):** A power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside on the Western Rivers (or on waters specified in 33 CFR 89.25) shall exhibit the **sidelights** and **two towing lights** in a vertical line. They are **not** required to display the standard masthead lights or stern lights for this specific operation on those waters. The two towing lights effectively replace the stern light and the requirement for multiple masthead lights in this context on the Western Rivers. ### Explanation of Why Other Options Are Incorrect **A) one masthead light, sidelights, and stern light** This configuration is typically for a standard power-driven vessel underway (less than 50 meters in length) or sometimes used for short tows under International Rules. However, it fails to include the mandatory towing lights required for pushing/towing operations on the Western Rivers, and it incorrectly includes a standard stern light, which is replaced by the towing lights in this Inland River context. **B) two masthead lights, sidelights, and stern light** This configuration is generally reserved for a power-driven vessel 50 meters or more in length, or under International Rules, it might apply to certain towing operations (length of tow less than 200 meters). It is incorrect because it lacks the mandatory towing lights and incorrectly includes a standard stern light. Furthermore, the specialized Inland Rule 24(g) explicitly removes the requirement for masthead lights in this specific pushing/towing situation on the Western Rivers. **D) two masthead lights, sidelights, and two towing lights** This configuration would be closer to the general requirements for towing operations under the *International* rules (where two masthead lights are exhibited when the tow is less than 200 meters). However, Inland Rule 24(g) specifically governing pushing/towing operations on the Western Rivers simplifies the configuration, **eliminating the requirement for masthead lights** when using the two towing lights. Therefore, the inclusion of the masthead lights makes this option incorrect for the specified Inland area.