If you observe three white lights in a vertical line above the sidelights, what is the likely tow distance?

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Multiple Choice

If you observe three white lights in a vertical line above the sidelights, what is the likely tow distance?

Explanation:
The pattern of three white lights in a vertical line above the sidelights identifies a vessel being towed. This arrangement is used for tows, and as the distance between the towing vessel and the towed vessel increases, the three white lights appear as a distinct vertical stack. When you can clearly see that vertical trio at night, it usually means you’re viewing a long tow—typically more than about 200 meters behind the tow. Shorter tows wouldn’t present the lights as a clear, spaced vertical stack, or they might show fewer distinct lights. So the most likely tow distance is more than 200 meters.

The pattern of three white lights in a vertical line above the sidelights identifies a vessel being towed. This arrangement is used for tows, and as the distance between the towing vessel and the towed vessel increases, the three white lights appear as a distinct vertical stack. When you can clearly see that vertical trio at night, it usually means you’re viewing a long tow—typically more than about 200 meters behind the tow. Shorter tows wouldn’t present the lights as a clear, spaced vertical stack, or they might show fewer distinct lights. So the most likely tow distance is more than 200 meters.

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