Question 703 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is A) The barges should be lighted as one vessel. The reasoning is that when two or more barges are being pushed ahead by a tugboat, they are considered a single vessel for the purposes of navigation lights. According to the International and Inland Navigation Rules, the lead barge or the composite of the barges must display the lights required for a power-driven vessel of that length, including sidelights, a stern light, and a white masthead light. The other barges do not need to display individual lights. The other options are incorrect because: B) Each vessel should show sidelights is wrong, as the barges are treated as a single vessel. C) Each vessel should show at least one white light is also incorrect, as only the lead barge or the composite needs to display the required lights. D) The barges should be lighted as separate units is wrong, as the regulations specify that the barges should be lighted as a single unit.