Question 31 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) less than 12 meters in length. According to the Inland Navigation Rules, a power-driven vessel less than 12 meters in length may have its masthead light at a location other than the fore and aft centerline. This is because the regulations allow for more flexibility in the placement of navigation lights on smaller vessels, as long as the required visibility is maintained. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) fishing vessels have different lighting requirements, B) the regulation about sidelights does not apply to the masthead light placement, and D) the 12-meter length limit is the key criteria, not 20 meters.