Which of the following is a RAM signal combination?

• A. Red Over Red
• B. Yellow Over White
• C. White Over White
• D. Red White Red

Answer: (D)

RAM signals indicate a vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver and needs other vessels to give way. At night, this is shown by three lights in a vertical line with red on top, a white light in the middle, and red on the bottom. The red-white-red sequence is distinctive and communicates to nearby traffic that the vessel cannot easily maneuver and should be given a wide berth.

The other patterns don’t match the RAM signal: two red lights lack the necessary middle white light; yellow over white and white over white aren’t the RAM configuration and don’t convey restricted maneuverability. The red-white-red arrangement is the correct indicator. For completeness, RAM is also shown by day shapes—a ball, diamond, ball in a vertical line—corresponding to the nighttime signal.