🔍 Key Concepts

• International & Inland Navigation Rules – Towing and Shapes • Difference between shapes for length of tow vs. shapes for a vessel’s own status (e.g., aground, constrained by draft, etc.) • Specific day shape requirement when the tow exceeds 200 meters

💭 Think About

• Which Navigation Rule covers the day shapes for vessels engaged in towing and specifies different requirements based on the length of tow? • Think about how the Rules distinguish between a tow less than 200 meters and a tow greater than 200 meters—what extra indication is required for the longer tow? • Look at each answer choice: which shapes are normally used to indicate other conditions (like vessel at anchor, aground, or constrained by draft) and can therefore be ruled out?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in the Navigation Rules what shape is prescribed specifically for a tow over 200 meters when towing astern. • Confirm which shapes (ball, diamond, combinations) are used for other situations: at anchor, aground, restricted in ability to maneuver, constrained by draft. • Make sure the rule you use applies to both International & Inland and to vessels being towed astern, not pushing ahead or alongside.