Question 385 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) alternately flashing red and yellow light. According to the United States Coast Guard regulations, commercial vessels engaged in public safety activities, such as law enforcement or fire response, are permitted to display an alternately flashing red and yellow light. This distinctive lighting pattern helps identify the vessel's purpose and alerts other mariners to its specialized activities. The other options are incorrect because a flashing blue light (C) is typically used by law enforcement vessels, while a flashing yellow light (D) is used for hazard identification. The alternately flashing blue and red light (A) is not a recognized lighting configuration for commercial public safety vessels under the Coast Guard regulations.