Question 17 TV01 - Towing Vessels - Oceans or Near Coastal

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation of B (Sidelights and a stern light):** This option is correct based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 24 (Towing and Pushing), specifically section (f)(ii). A single vessel being towed alongside is required to show the lights necessary to indicate its position and dimensions relative to the towing vessel and to other traffic, but without showing propulsion (masthead) lights. Rule 24(f)(ii) mandates that a vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a **sternlight** and, at the forward end, **sidelights**. **Explanation of why other options are incorrect:** * **A) One all-round white light:** This light set is typically reserved for small, inconspicuous tows (Rule 24(g)) or vessels at anchor (Rule 30). It is insufficient for a standard vessel being towed alongside, which must show its orientation and direction of movement (via sidelights and a sternlight). * **C) A masthead light, sidelights, and a stern light:** This is the standard lighting configuration for a power-driven vessel that is **underway** (Rule 23). A vessel being towed is not using its engines for propulsion and must not show masthead lights, as this would falsely indicate that it is a vessel underway. * **D) Only the outboard sidelight and a stern light:** While special provisions exist for certain scenarios (like vessels being pushed ahead where the pushing vessel obscures the inboard light), the general requirement for a vessel being towed alongside (Rule 24(f)(ii)) is to exhibit **sidelights** (plural) and a sternlight. Showing "only" the outboard sidelight is an exception, not the rule, for a tow alongside.