At what length must an anchored vessel display both forward and aft masthead lights?

At what length must an anchored vessel display both forward and aft masthead lights?

• A. 30 meters
• B. 40 meters
• C. 60 meters
• D. 50 meters

Answer: (D)

When a vessel is at anchor, it must show a white anchor light to mark that it’s stationary. If the vessel is 50 meters or more in length, regulations require two additional white masthead lights—one forward and one aft—to reveal the vessel’s length and orientation to other mariners. This helps others gauge the size and direction of the anchored craft, which is especially important at night or in poor visibility, reducing the chance of collisions. So the minimum length that triggers this requirement is 50 meters; vessels that long or longer must display both forward and aft masthead lights.

When a vessel is at anchor, it must show a white anchor light to mark that it’s stationary. If the vessel is 50 meters or more in length, regulations require two additional white masthead lights—one forward and one aft—to reveal the vessel’s length and orientation to other mariners. This helps others gauge the size and direction of the anchored craft, which is especially important at night or in poor visibility, reducing the chance of collisions. So the minimum length that triggers this requirement is 50 meters; vessels that long or longer must display both forward and aft masthead lights.