INLAND ONLY. The masthead light may be located at other than the fore and aft centerline on a power-driven vessel

INLAND ONLY. The masthead light may be located at other than the fore and aft centerline on a power-driven vessel

• A. Less than 6 meters in length
• B. Less than 12 meters in length
• C. Less than 20 meters in length
• D. Less than 30 meters in length

Answer: (B)

The rule here is about practical light placement on small inland power-driven vessels. For vessels under 12 meters in length, the masthead light can be located at a place other than the fore-and-aft centerline. This accommodates decks and wheelhouses on tiny boats where a centerline masthead would be impractical, while still keeping the light visible where other vessels will see it. For vessels 12 meters or longer, the masthead light must be on the centerline to ensure consistent identification of the vessel’s heading. So, the threshold is 12 meters: the off-centerline option is allowed on vessels shorter than that.

The rule here is about practical light placement on small inland power-driven vessels. For vessels under 12 meters in length, the masthead light can be located at a place other than the fore-and-aft centerline. This accommodates decks and wheelhouses on tiny boats where a centerline masthead would be impractical, while still keeping the light visible where other vessels will see it. For vessels 12 meters or longer, the masthead light must be on the centerline to ensure consistent identification of the vessel’s heading. So, the threshold is 12 meters: the off-centerline option is allowed on vessels shorter than that.