Question 434 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) If the vessel is towed astern. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), Rule 24(b), if a towing vessel and her tow are severely restricted in their ability to deviate from their course, the towing vessel shall exhibit, in addition to her towing lights, sidelights and a sternlight. This requirement applies specifically when the vessel is towed astern, as the towing vessel and the towed vessel have limited maneuverability in this configuration. The other options are incorrect because the requirement for additional lights does not apply when the vessel is towed alongside (option A) or pushed ahead (option C). In those cases, the towing vessel would only need to display her normal towing lights.