You are on a vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, and have gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel. Which day-shape must you show in the direction of the outlying gear?

You are on a vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, and have gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel. Which day-shape must you show in the direction of the outlying gear?

• A. Shape A
• B. Shape B
• C. Shape C
• D. Shape D

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is signaling for fishing vessels with long gear. Under COLREGS, a vessel engaged in fishing (other than trawling) that has gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel must display two cone-shaped day signals in a vertical line, shown in the direction of the outlying gear. This double-cone, vertical arrangement warns other mariners that the vessel has extended gear and may have restricted maneuverability, so nearby ships should keep clear and watch their own course and speed to avoid collisions. The other shapes in different situations (such as signals used for other fishing setups or for vessels at anchor or towing) do not apply here, so the two-cone vertical signal is the correct one for long fishing gear.

The main idea here is signaling for fishing vessels with long gear. Under COLREGS, a vessel engaged in fishing (other than trawling) that has gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel must display two cone-shaped day signals in a vertical line, shown in the direction of the outlying gear. This double-cone, vertical arrangement warns other mariners that the vessel has extended gear and may have restricted maneuverability, so nearby ships should keep clear and watch their own course and speed to avoid collisions.

The other shapes in different situations (such as signals used for other fishing setups or for vessels at anchor or towing) do not apply here, so the two-cone vertical signal is the correct one for long fishing gear.