For a power-driven vessel towing another vessel astern with tow under 200 meters, which lighting configuration is used instead of the forward or after masthead lights?

• A. One masthead light
• B. Three white lights in a vertical line
• C. No masthead lights
• D. Two masthead lights in a vertical line

Answer: (D)

When a power-driven vessel is towing another vessel astern, the lights are adjusted to signal the towing arrangement. For a tow shorter than 200 meters, the vessel displays two white masthead lights in a vertical line. This arrangement clearly communicates to other mariners that you are towing and that the tow is in the shorter category, replacing the usual forward and after masthead lights. If the tow were 200 meters or more, three white lights in a vertical line would be used to indicate the longer tow. The other options wouldn’t signal that you’re towing or would misrepresent the tow length.