Question 551 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) Its purpose is to supplement short blasts of the whistle. This is correct because the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) state that the use of a light to supplement short blasts of the whistle is optional, not required. The light is intended to draw attention to the whistle signal, but its use is not mandated. Options A and B are incorrect because the COLREGS do not require the light to have the same characteristics as a masthead light, nor is the use of such a light required. Option D is incorrect because not all of the statements are true - the use of the light is optional, not required.