Inland: What is the color of the lights on a fleet of moored barges extending into a navigable channel?

• A. Green
• B. White
• C. Red
• D. Yellow

Answer: (B)

When vessels are stationary or moored, especially in a channel where they can create a hazard, the light that signals their presence is white. A fleet of moored barges extending into a navigable channel is not moving, so there’s no need for the typical navigation colors used for underway vessels. The white light serves to mark the location and alert other vessels to the obstruction, and it is usually visible all around to maximize visibility.

Red or green would imply the presence of standard underway navigation lights (port or starboard) on a moving vessel, which isn’t applicable to a stationary barge fleet. Yellow is used for specific operations like towing or work, not for a stationary obstruction. White is the color used to indicate a moored or anchored vessel or obstruction.