🔍 Key Concepts

• Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing in the International Rules • The difference between towing astern, pushing ahead, and towed alongside • Which lights belong to the towing vessel versus the vessel being towed

💭 Think About

• First, decide: is the vessel in question doing the towing, or is it the one being towed? How does that change what lights it must show? • Think about whether a small vessel being towed alongside should ever show a masthead (forward white) light on its own. • Compare what lights an ordinary power‑driven vessel underway shows, and then ask: which of those, if any, are also required on a vessel being towed alongside?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in Rule 24 what is required specifically for the vessel being towed alongside, not the tug • Check whether a masthead light is ever required on the vessel being towed, or only on the towing vessel • Confirm whether the towed vessel must show sidelights and/or stern light so that its length and orientation can be seen at night