Question 26

The Correct Answer is D **Why option D is correct:** Option D is a direct application of Rule 23(d) of the Inland Rules, which includes the special rules for the Great Lakes. This rule provides a specific exception for power-driven vessels when operating *inland on the Great Lakes*. Vessels less than 50 meters in length, when underway, are permitted to show a single all-round white light in addition to the required sidelights, and this all-round light takes the place of both the second masthead light (if required) and the stern light. This simplified arrangement is a common allowance under the Inland Rules for smaller vessels. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A) Great Lakes vessels are exempted from the requirement to show yellow towing lights.** This is incorrect. Yellow towing lights (specifically, a second masthead light shown aft of the towing light) are required when a power-driven vessel is towing, regardless of location (Inland, International, or Great Lakes). The Great Lakes rules do not grant a blanket exemption from showing the proper identification lights for towing operations. * **B) Sidelights for vessels over 50 meters are required to have only a two-mile range of visibility.** This is incorrect. According to Annex I, section 2(a) and 2(b), sidelights on vessels 50 meters or more in length must have a minimum range of visibility of **three miles**. The two-mile range applies to vessels 12 meters or more but less than 50 meters in length. * **C) The showing of a forward masthead light is optional for vessels under 150 meters.** This is incorrect. A forward masthead light is mandatory for all power-driven vessels 12 meters or more in length when underway (Rule 23(a)(i)). The showing of the forward masthead light is *never* optional under these rules; the length of the vessel only determines whether a second masthead light is also required (mandatory for vessels 50 meters or more).