All vessels must carry adequate and up-to-date charts, coast pilots, and light lists.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Only in Coastal Waters
• D. Only for Commercial Vessels

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that every vessel must be prepared with the official navigational references for the waters it operates in. Charts show current depths, hazards, and the location and nature of aids to navigation; Coast Pilots give detailed guidance for navigating along the coast and in harbors; the Light List provides the latest information on lighthouses, buoys, and other aids, including their light characteristics and positions. Keeping these publications up to date ensures you have the latest information for safe routing, avoiding hazards, and confirming your position. This rule applies to all vessels, not just coastal or commercial ones, and even if you rely on electronic charts, you should carry the printed publications on board as backups.