Which power-driven vessel is NOT required to carry a light in the position of the after masthead light?

• A. Forty-five meters in length trolling
• B. A vessel under pilotage
• C. A vessel not under command
• D. Sixty meters in length engaged in fishing

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the after masthead light is required only on power-driven vessels underway that are 50 meters or longer. Vessels shorter than 50 meters aren’t obligated to show a light in the after masthead position. So a trolling vessel 45 meters long does not have to carry the after masthead light. In contrast, a vessel 60 meters in length must show two masthead lights (forward and after) when underway, so it is required to have the after masthead light, even if it’s engaged in fishing. Being under pilotage or not under command does not change this length-based rule; the key factor is the vessel’s length relative to the 50-meter threshold.