For a vessel being towed at night, which option correctly describes the required display on the towed vessel?

For a vessel being towed at night, which option correctly describes the required display on the towed vessel?

• A. The towing vessel must display sidelights and sternlight
• B. The towed vessel must display a white light only
• C. The towed vessel must display no lights
• D. The towed vessel must display sidelights and sternlight

Answer: (D)

When a vessel is being towed at night, other mariners need to clearly see its position and orientation, since it isn’t powering itself. The towed vessel should display sidelights and a stern light. The sidelights indicate its presence from the front and sides, while the stern light shows its rear and that it’s behind the towing vessel. This combination helps other vessels judge its course and distance, reducing the risk of collision. The towing vessel will also have its own navigation lights, but the towed vessel’s lights confirm its status as a towed object.

When a vessel is being towed at night, other mariners need to clearly see its position and orientation, since it isn’t powering itself. The towed vessel should display sidelights and a stern light. The sidelights indicate its presence from the front and sides, while the stern light shows its rear and that it’s behind the towing vessel. This combination helps other vessels judge its course and distance, reducing the risk of collision. The towing vessel will also have its own navigation lights, but the towed vessel’s lights confirm its status as a towed object.