A power-driven boat less than 7 meters and whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 KTS only has to show an ______ light.

A power-driven boat less than 7 meters and whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 KTS only has to show an ______ light.

• A. All-round white
• B. Masthead light
• C. Stern light
• D. Bow light

Answer: (B)

For a small power-driven boat moving slowly, the light rule is simplified to use a single white forward light—the masthead light. This forward-facing light signals that the vessel is underway and helps others see you and gauge your direction. The all-round white light is used when a vessel is at anchor or not underway, not for this moving, small category. A stern light alone wouldn’t convey that you are in motion ahead of other traffic, and a bow light isn’t the standard signal for this scenario. So, the masthead light satisfies the minimal nighttime signaling requirement for a boat under 7 meters traveling up to 7 knots.

For a small power-driven boat moving slowly, the light rule is simplified to use a single white forward light—the masthead light. This forward-facing light signals that the vessel is underway and helps others see you and gauge your direction. The all-round white light is used when a vessel is at anchor or not underway, not for this moving, small category. A stern light alone wouldn’t convey that you are in motion ahead of other traffic, and a bow light isn’t the standard signal for this scenario. So, the masthead light satisfies the minimal nighttime signaling requirement for a boat under 7 meters traveling up to 7 knots.