Transportation Operations LINCS Practice Exam

What is a lighter used for in transportation?

1. Long-haul shipping across oceans

2. Cross-harbor or inland freight transfer

3. Transporting passengers on inland waterways

4. Carrying bulk liquid cargo

The correct answer is: Cross-harbor or inland freight transfer

A lighter is a type of vessel specifically designed for transferring cargo to and from larger ships, typically in harbors or along rivers where larger vessels cannot access the docks directly due to draught restrictions or shallow waters. This makes it an essential component in the process of cross-harbor or inland freight transfer, where goods need to be moved between maritime and land transportation systems. In the context of the other choices, long-haul shipping across oceans generally involves larger cargo ships capable of carrying vast amounts of freight over great distances, which would not require the use of a lighter for transport directly. Transporting passengers on inland waterways typically involves different types of vessels designed specifically for human transport rather than goods. Carrying bulk liquid cargo usually refers to the use of tankers or other vessels that can accommodate large amounts of liquid, which would again not involve lighters, as these are not typically used for that purpose. Thus, the role of a lighter is most accurately described in the context of aiding in the efficient transfer of freight in inland or harbor settings.