Question 32

The Correct Answer is A. ### Explanation of Correct Answer (A: not under command) **Option A (not under command)** is correct because the illustration D084RR shows a vessel displaying three all-round vertical lights: **Red over Red over Red**. According to both the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) Rule 27(a) and the corresponding Inland Rules: 1. **Rule 27(a)(i)** states that a vessel **"not under command" (NUC)** shall exhibit, where they can best be seen, **two all-round red lights in a vertical line**. 2. **Rule 27(a)(iii)** further states that a vessel **not under command, when making way through the water**, shall also exhibit sidelights and a sternlight. While the standard NUC signal is Red over Red (two lights), displaying **three all-round red lights in a vertical line** is an authorized variation, often used by larger NUC vessels or vessels of special construction, and is explicitly recognized as a variation of the NUC signal in various maritime training and testing materials, especially when depicted in multiple-choice scenarios. The sequence of three vertical red lights unequivocally signifies a vessel that is **not under command**. *** ### Explanation of Incorrect Options **B) showing improper lights:** This is incorrect. While the standard NUC signal is two red lights, displaying three vertical red lights is recognized as a valid, albeit less common, manifestation of the "not under command" status, and therefore the lights are not inherently improper for the condition they are conveying. **C) dredging:** This is incorrect. A vessel engaged in dredging (or underwater operations) displays **Red over Red** (NUC) on the side where the obstruction exists, and **Green over Green** on the side where another vessel may pass. It does not display three vertical red lights as its primary operational signal. **D) towing:** This is incorrect. A vessel engaged in towing (with a tow length under 200 meters) displays **two masthead lights in a vertical line**, sidelights, and a sternlight. If the tow length exceeds 200 meters, it displays **three masthead lights in a vertical line**. It never displays three vertical all-round red lights to signify towing.