A master of a towing vessel fixes the vessel's position using only a single lighted buoy because no other aids are visible. Under 33 CFR §164.78, which of the following statements most accurately describes the regulatory and practical status of that position?

Question

Accepted Answer

B. The position is an estimated position only; buoys may not maintain exact charted positions and cannot fix a position, though they may establish an estimated position when no other aids are available — 33 CFR §164.78(a)(3) explicitly states that buoys cannot fix a position because they may not maintain exact charted positions due to currents, seas, ice, and collisions. However, the regulation also states that if no other aids are available, buoys alone may establish an estimated position — not a fixed position. Anchoring is not required by the regulation.

Answer

A. The position is a valid fixed position because a lighted buoy is a charted aid to navigation

Answer

C. The position is acceptable provided the master corroborates it with a second buoy bearing

Answer

D. The position is prohibited under all circumstances; the master must anchor until a GPS fix is obtained

A master of a towing vessel fixes the vessel's position using only a single lighted buoy because no other aids are visible. Under 33 CFR §164.78, which of the following statements most accurately describes the regulatory and practical status of that position?

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