In inland waters, a vessel under 20 meters anchored at night in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary must what regarding lights?

In inland waters, a vessel under 20 meters anchored at night in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary must what regarding lights?

• A. Must show all-around navigation lights.
• B. Must display a standard white light.
• C. May display a yellow flashing light.
• D. Need not show any lights.

Answer: (D)

Inland rules allow a relaxation for very small vessels in specially designated anchorage areas. If a vessel is under 20 meters and is anchored at night in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary, it is not required to display any lights. This reflects that these areas are set up to manage traffic in controlled environments, where the combination of small size and restricted scope reduces the risk of collision, so the standard anchor light requirement is waived. Outside of such areas or for larger vessels, the usual rule would apply—showing a white all-around anchor light from sunset to sunrise.

Inland rules allow a relaxation for very small vessels in specially designated anchorage areas. If a vessel is under 20 meters and is anchored at night in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary, it is not required to display any lights.

This reflects that these areas are set up to manage traffic in controlled environments, where the combination of small size and restricted scope reduces the risk of collision, so the standard anchor light requirement is waived. Outside of such areas or for larger vessels, the usual rule would apply—showing a white all-around anchor light from sunset to sunrise.