If you observe three white lights in a vertical line above the sidelights, what is the likely tow distance?

If you observe three white lights in a vertical line above the sidelights, what is the likely tow distance?

• A. Under 50 meters
• B. 50-150 meters
• C. More than 200 meters
• D. 150-190 meters

Answer: (C)

The pattern of three white lights in a vertical line above the sidelights identifies a vessel being towed. This arrangement is used for tows, and as the distance between the towing vessel and the towed vessel increases, the three white lights appear as a distinct vertical stack. When you can clearly see that vertical trio at night, it usually means you’re viewing a long tow—typically more than about 200 meters behind the tow. Shorter tows wouldn’t present the lights as a clear, spaced vertical stack, or they might show fewer distinct lights. So the most likely tow distance is more than 200 meters.

The pattern of three white lights in a vertical line above the sidelights identifies a vessel being towed. This arrangement is used for tows, and as the distance between the towing vessel and the towed vessel increases, the three white lights appear as a distinct vertical stack. When you can clearly see that vertical trio at night, it usually means you’re viewing a long tow—typically more than about 200 meters behind the tow. Shorter tows wouldn’t present the lights as a clear, spaced vertical stack, or they might show fewer distinct lights. So the most likely tow distance is more than 200 meters.