A power-driven vessel towing another vessel astern (tow less than 200 meters) shall show two masthead lights in a vertical line instead of either the forward or after masthead lights.

A power-driven vessel towing another vessel astern (tow less than 200 meters) shall show two masthead lights in a vertical line instead of either the forward or after masthead lights.

• A. False
• B. Only during daylight
• C. Only in Inland waters
• D. True

Answer: (D)

When a power-driven vessel is towing another astern and the tow is under 200 meters, you signal the towing arrangement by showing two white masthead lights in a vertical line at or near the stern, instead of using the usual forward and after masthead lights. This distinct vertical pair clearly communicates to other vessels that you are actively towing and helps them gauge the situation, especially in close quarters or crowded waters. The change is made to indicate the presence and length of the tow, reducing the chance of misinterpretation of your vessel’s status. This signaling applies regardless of daylight or inland versus international waters—the towing configuration is about how you display lights to indicate a tow, not about the time of day or the waterway category.

When a power-driven vessel is towing another astern and the tow is under 200 meters, you signal the towing arrangement by showing two white masthead lights in a vertical line at or near the stern, instead of using the usual forward and after masthead lights. This distinct vertical pair clearly communicates to other vessels that you are actively towing and helps them gauge the situation, especially in close quarters or crowded waters. The change is made to indicate the presence and length of the tow, reducing the chance of misinterpretation of your vessel’s status.

This signaling applies regardless of daylight or inland versus international waters—the towing configuration is about how you display lights to indicate a tow, not about the time of day or the waterway category.