Question 492 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) the tow is greater than 200 meters. According to the International and Inland Navigation Rules, a vessel over 50 meters (164 feet) in length engaged in towing another vessel must display three forward white masthead lights in a vertical line when the length of the tow, measured from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow, exceeds 200 meters (656 feet). This configuration of lights indicates that the tow is greater than 200 meters in length. The other options are incorrect because: A) a vessel over 50 meters in length engaged in towing would not necessarily have a tow greater than 200 meters, C) a vessel less than 50 meters in length would not display this light configuration, and D) a tow less than 200 meters would not require this specific light arrangement.