United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

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Prepare for the United States Coast Guard Captains License Exam. Study with engaging questions and detailed explanations. Achieve success in your exam with confidence!

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If you see two yellow lights displayed in a vertical line at night, what does that indicate?

Opening in a dredge pipeline
Vessel not under command
Vessel towing by pushing ahead
Vessel engaged in fishing

The correct answer is: Vessel towing by pushing ahead

The display of two yellow lights in a vertical line at night is an indication that a vessel is towing another vessel by pushing ahead. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specific light configurations are used to communicate a vessel's actions or status to others on the water. The vertical alignment of the two yellow lights is recognized as the signal for a vessel that is specially engaged in towing, particularly while pushing another vessel ahead. This light configuration is critical for other vessels nearby to understand that the vessel can potentially have restricted maneuverability. It ensures that other mariners can make informed navigational decisions, considering that the vessels involved may not be able to change course or speed as easily as those not engaged in such operations.