For a barge, not part of a composite unit, being pushed ahead, which lighting arrangement is required?

• A. Two Towing Lights And A Stern Light
• B. Masthead Light And A Sidelight
• C. Sidelights And A Special Flashing Light
• D. Stern Light Only

Answer: (C)

When a barge is being pushed ahead by a tug and isn’t part of a composite unit, it is treated as a vessel being towed. In that situation its lights must show its direction with sidelights (port and starboard) and include a special flashing light to indicate that the vessel is being pushed or towed. This combination helps other vessels understand both where the barge is headed and that it is under tow, not under its own power. A stern light would be inappropriate because the barge isn’t self-propelled, and a masthead light would imply power-driven status. The two towing lights belong to the towing arrangement as a whole, not to the barge by itself, so they’re not required on the barge in this scenario.