Which vessel must display forward and aft masthead lights?

Which vessel must display forward and aft masthead lights?

• A. A power-driven vessel 60 meters long
• B. A sailing vessel under sail
• C. A power-driven vessel under 12 meters
• D. A sailing vessel not under command

Answer: (A)

Two masthead lights are required for power-driven vessels that are 50 meters or more in length. The forward masthead light shows the vessel is under way, while the aft masthead light, placed behind it, ensures visibility from a wider range of angles, especially from the stern arc. This setup helps other vessels assess the large vessel’s presence, size, and heading at night to prevent collisions. Therefore, a power-driven vessel that is 60 meters long must display both forward and aft masthead lights, in addition to the usual sidelights and stern light. The other situations do not meet the 50-meter threshold or the power-driven underway requirement, so they do not require two masthead lights.

Two masthead lights are required for power-driven vessels that are 50 meters or more in length. The forward masthead light shows the vessel is under way, while the aft masthead light, placed behind it, ensures visibility from a wider range of angles, especially from the stern arc. This setup helps other vessels assess the large vessel’s presence, size, and heading at night to prevent collisions. Therefore, a power-driven vessel that is 60 meters long must display both forward and aft masthead lights, in addition to the usual sidelights and stern light. The other situations do not meet the 50-meter threshold or the power-driven underway requirement, so they do not require two masthead lights.