A power-driven vessel shows the same lights as which other configuration?

• A. A pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed, rigidly connected in a composite unit
• B. A sailing vessel under sail alone
• C. A vessel at anchor with no tether
• D. A vessel not under command

Answer: (A)

Main concept: when two vessels push ahead in a rigidly connected composite unit, they’re treated as a single vessel for lighting purposes. That means the lights shown are those of a power-driven vessel underway, not two separate vessels.

So the pushing vessel and the vessel being pushed display the same configuration as a single power-driven vessel: red and green sidelights plus a white stern light (and any forward masthead light if required by length). This standardization helps other mariners quickly assess the situation and act accordingly. Other configurations—such as sailing under sail, or a vessel at anchor, or not under command—have different light patterns and would not match the lights of this composite unit.