A vessel towing shows three forward white masthead lights arranged in a vertical line. What does this indicate about the tow length?

A vessel towing shows three forward white masthead lights arranged in a vertical line. What does this indicate about the tow length?

• A. Lesser than 50 meters
• B. Greater than 200 meters
• C. Not specified
• D. Exactly 150 meters

Answer: (B)

In COLREGs, the length of a tow is signaled by how many white masthead lights are shown forward in a vertical line. Three forward white masthead lights in a vertical arrangement indicate that the tow is very long—specifically greater than 200 meters. This signaling helps other vessels judge the potential maneuvering requirements and stopping distance of the tow, so they can pass or cross safely with appropriate clearance. If you see that pattern, you should treat the situation as a long tow and give extra room for the movement of both the towing vessel and the towed vessel.

In COLREGs, the length of a tow is signaled by how many white masthead lights are shown forward in a vertical line. Three forward white masthead lights in a vertical arrangement indicate that the tow is very long—specifically greater than 200 meters. This signaling helps other vessels judge the potential maneuvering requirements and stopping distance of the tow, so they can pass or cross safely with appropriate clearance. If you see that pattern, you should treat the situation as a long tow and give extra room for the movement of both the towing vessel and the towed vessel.