Under what condition is the separate towing light required to be carried above the sternlight?

• A. Only if she is towing astern
• B. Always
• C. Never
• D. Only if the tow exceeds 200 meters

Answer: (A)

The signaling rule focuses on how to warn other vessels about a tow behind you. A separate yellow towing light is used to indicate a towing operation, and its placement above the stern light is required specifically when the tow is behind the vessel, i.e., towing astern. This arrangement makes the rearward extension of the vessel’s tow clear to others, reducing the chance of collision and confusion at night or in restricted visibility. If the tow is not astern, the standard lights already convey the vessel’s status, so the extra yellow light above the stern light isn’t required. So, the condition is that the separate towing light must be carried above the sternlight only when there is towing astern.