🔍 Key Concepts

• Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing in the Navigation Rules (Inland & International) • Day shapes for towing astern and how they change when the tow length is more than 200 meters • The difference between shapes for towing, vessels not under command, and vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver

💭 Think About

• First, recall what basic day shape a towing vessel uses to indicate that it has a tow astern. Then think about what extra shape, if any, is added when the tow is longer than 200 meters. • Compare which conditions use balls versus diamonds: when do you see a ball, and when do you see a diamond? Which of those applies to a long tow? • Visualize the complete day shape for a long tow: is it a single shape or a combination of shapes in a vertical line? How many of that shape are required when the tow exceeds 200 meters?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in Rule 24 that a tow exceeding 200 meters must show a special day shape and note exactly which geometric shape is used. • Confirm whether the long tow indication is one shape or two of the same shape in a vertical line. • Double-check that you are not confusing the shapes for a vessel not under command (two balls) or a vessel restricted in ability to maneuver (ball–diamond–ball) with the towing shape.