A law enforcement vessel patrolling a marine regatta may show either a flashing blue light or ________.

• A. A high intensity flashing white light (strobe)
• B. A red rotating beacon
• C. A green flashing light
• D. A steady white light

Answer: (A)

When a law enforcement vessel is patrolling a marine regatta, the signal needs to be instantly recognizable and hard to miss, even in daylight. A high-intensity flashing white light (a strobe) can serve as an equivalent attention-getter to the blue flashing light. The white strobe is extremely conspicuous and quickly signals the vessel’s authority to others on the water, which is essential in crowded events like regattas where many boats are operating close together.

The other options don’t fit as effective substitutes: a red rotating beacon isn’t the standard enforcement signal; green flashing light is reserved for navigational purposes relating to vessel sides, not law enforcement authority; a steady white light is simply a normal navigation light and doesn’t convey the same authoritative signaling.