A vessel, which is unable to maneuver due to some exceptional circumstance, shall exhibit when making way at night, what lights?

A vessel, which is unable to maneuver due to some exceptional circumstance, shall exhibit when making way at night, what lights?

• A. Two all-round red lights, sidelights, and a stern light
• B. A towing light above the stern light
• C. A white light only
• D. A green light over a red light

Answer: (A)

When a vessel cannot maneuver, it must clearly signal its restricted ability to move at night. A not-under-command vessel shows two all-round red lights in a vertical line to indicate this status, and it also displays the normal underway lights—sidelights and a stern light—so other vessels recognize both its position and its limited maneuverability. The towing light is used for towing operations, a white light alone does not convey the limitation, and a green light over a red light does not represent this situation.

When a vessel cannot maneuver, it must clearly signal its restricted ability to move at night. A not-under-command vessel shows two all-round red lights in a vertical line to indicate this status, and it also displays the normal underway lights—sidelights and a stern light—so other vessels recognize both its position and its limited maneuverability. The towing light is used for towing operations, a white light alone does not convey the limitation, and a green light over a red light does not represent this situation.