In restricted visibility, a towed vessel must sound a fog signal when it is which vessel in the tow and it is carrying a crew?

• A. The last vessel in the tow and it is carrying a crew
• B. The last vessel in the tow
• C. The lead vessel in the tow
• D. Any vessel in tow

Answer: (A)

In restricted visibility, fog signals are used to communicate the arrangement and presence of vessels. When a vessel is being towed, signaling becomes specific about which part of the tow must announce itself. The last vessel in the tow is the one at the far end, and if that vessel has a crew aboard, it must sound a fog signal. This practice helps other mariners identify the end of the tow and know that people are on board who could respond in an emergency. The other situations—such as signaling from the lead vessel or from any vessel in tow without the last-vessel condition or crew aboard—do not meet this particular requirement.