Towing Lights Practice Questions

1. For the purpose of the towing light rules, the 'length of the tow' is measured from the:

• A.Stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow✓
• B.Bow of the towing vessel to the bow of the first barge
• C.Bridge of the towing vessel to the middle of the tow
• D.Waterline to the highest point of the deck cargo

Why: Length of tow is measured from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow. It is the trigger for the 200-meter threshold that adds a third masthead light and the diamond day shape.

2. A power-driven vessel towing astern, with a tow 200 meters or less in length, exhibits which lights in addition to sidelights and a sternlight?

• A.A single all-round red light
• B.Two masthead lights in a vertical line and a yellow towing light above the sternlight✓
• C.Three all-round green lights
• D.Only an all-round white light

Why: When towing astern (tow ≤200 m), the towing vessel shows two masthead lights in a vertical line, sidelights, a sternlight, and a yellow towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight.

3. By day, when the length of a tow exceeds 200 meters, the towing vessel and the vessel being towed must each exhibit:

• A.A black ball
• B.Two cones apex together
• C.A cylinder
• D.A diamond shape where it can best be seen✓

Why: When the tow exceeds 200 meters, both the towing vessel and the towed vessel display a diamond shape by day where it can best be seen, the daytime equivalent of the extra masthead light.

4. The yellow towing light required of a vessel towing astern is located:

• A.Directly above the sternlight, with the same characteristics as a sternlight✓
• B.At the top of the forward mast
• C.On the bow, below the sidelights
• D.On the towed vessel, not the towing vessel

Why: The yellow towing light is shown in a vertical line above the sternlight of the towing vessel and has the same arc of visibility (135°) as a sternlight. It distinguishes a vessel towing from an ordinary power-driven vessel from astern.

5. A tug and a barge rigidly connected as a 'composite unit' are, under the Rules, lighted and treated as:

• A.A vessel not under command
• B.Two separate vessels each showing towing lights
• C.A single power-driven vessel✓
• D.A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver

Why: A composite unit (a pushing vessel and a vessel pushed ahead rigidly connected as one) is regarded as a single power-driven vessel and shows the lights of a power-driven vessel under Rule 23 — not towing lights.