Question 757 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) If the towing vessel is over 50 meters in length, she must carry forward and after masthead lights. This is correct because the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) require vessels over 50 meters in length to display two masthead lights, one forward and one aft, when towing. This ensures the towing vessel is clearly visible to other vessels. The other options are incorrect because: A) The towing vessel does not display additional identification lights, just the required masthead lights. B) The requirement for a black ball is for tows exceeding 200 meters in length, not the towing vessel itself. D) The towing vessel must display both a stern light and a towing light when towing astern.