Question 1648 Deck General

The correct answer is A) A vessel operating on the Gulf of Mexico. Vessels operating on the Gulf of Mexico are required to carry a compass on board, as per the small passenger vessel regulations. This is because the Gulf of Mexico is considered open waters, and a compass is a critical navigational tool for safe operation in open waters where the vessel may not have visual references to the shore. The other options are incorrect because: B) a non-self-propelled vessel may not be required to carry a compass, C) a vessel operating in protected waters with a short restricted route may not need a compass, and D) a vessel operating on the Ohio River, which is considered inland waters, may not be required to carry a compass.