Question 26

The Correct Answer is D **Explanation for Option D (Correct):** Option D is correct based on the specific rules for lighting on the Great Lakes, found in the Inland Navigational Rules (specifically Annex V - Inland Rules, which provides exceptions and special rules for the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, etc.). Rule 23(d)(i) of the Inland Rules, addressing power-driven vessels, states that on the Great Lakes (excluding the St. Lawrence River above the lower exit of the St. Lambert Lock), a vessel that is constrained by its maximum structural draft or is Towing (when the vessel being towed is not more than 150 meters in length) **may carry an all-round white light in lieu of the second masthead light and stern light**. This provision is designed to accommodate certain operational constraints and historical practices on the Great Lakes. **Explanation for Other Options (Incorrect):** * **A) Great Lakes vessels are exempted from the requirement to show yellow towing lights.** This is incorrect. The general rule (Inland Rule 24) requires power-driven vessels when towing to show two or three masthead lights in a vertical line (white) plus the proper sidelights and stern light, as well as a **yellow towing light** vertically above the stern light (or two yellow lights if the tow exceeds 200 meters). Great Lakes vessels must adhere to the requirements for showing towing lights (white and/or yellow) as required by the Inland Rules, with specific Great Lakes variations generally relating to the number of white masthead lights, not the exemption of the required yellow light. * **B) Sidelights for vessels over 50 meters are required to have only a two-mile range of visibility.** This is incorrect. For power-driven vessels 50 meters or more in length, the minimum range of visibility for sidelights (red and green) is **3 miles**, according to Annex I, section 2(a) of the Inland Rules (which mirrors International Rule requirements for this size of vessel). The 2-mile range applies only to vessels between 12 meters and 50 meters in length. * **C) The showing of a forward masthead light is optional for vessels under 150 meters.** This is incorrect. All power-driven vessels underway must carry at least one forward masthead light (Rule 23). The showing of a forward masthead light is mandatory, regardless of length. The rules only allow for adjustments in the number of masthead lights shown (e.g., when towing) or the placement/height, but not its optionality for an underway vessel.