NavRules Question

[Dauphan]

Can any of you knowledgable people confirm or clarify a question for me. What lights (international or inland) are required for a motor vessel under way but not making way (motor off and drifting)?

I'm thinking the lights for a motor vessel do not change whether the vessel is making way or not, which are side lights, stern light, masthead light(s) because 'under way' is not defined for motor vessels like it is for fishing vessels or pilot vessels. To display an anchor light you would need to be made fast to the bottom. Likewise, you do not qualify as a vessel not under command or a vessel limited in her ability to maneuver. This would also mean that you would also have to give way to other vessels in your area.

Is my understanding correct?

 

[L Hall]

Gene, let me help. A six pack is the equivalent of a tricycle license. The 100 ton, what I have, is perhaps equivalent to a bicycle license. Once you get beyond a 100 ton, the requirements get much more difficult, with a 200 ton being equivalent of a motorcycle license. And they get more and more difficult from that point forward.

 

[L Hall]

Again, things on the water are not like things on land. The responsibility for knowledge and competence lies with the captain, not the government. It seems to work. I don't know of any fatalities as a result of imcompetence on the part of a lower level captain.