Rule 24 — Towing and Pushing (lights)

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 3 §3.3

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 3 §3.3 — Towing Pushing ahead is the standard towing arrangement on Western Rivers — the towing vessel is mechanically coupled to the bow of the tow. Light arrangements and signals differ significantly from open-water towing astern (see Rule 24).

33 CFR §83.23

§ 83.23 § 83.23 Power-driven vessels underway (Rule 23). (a) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit: (i) A masthead light forward; (ii) A second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light but may do so; (iii) Sidelights; and (iv) A sternlight. (b) An air-cushion vessel when operating in the non-displacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light where it can best be seen. (c) A WIG craft only when taking off, landing and in flight near the surface shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit a high intensity all-round flashing red light. (d) A pow…

33 CFR §83.24

§ 83.24 § 83.24 Towing and pushing (Rule 24). (a) A power-driven vessel when towing astern shall exhibit: (i) Instead of the light prescribed either in Rule 23(a)(i) or 23(a)(ii) (§§ 83.23(a)(i) and (ii)), two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds 200 meters, three such lights in a vertical line; (ii) Sidelights; (iii) A sternlight; (iv) A towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight; and (v) When the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen. (b) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 2…

33 CFR §84.02

§ 84.02 § 84.02 Vertical positioning and spacing of lights. (a) On a power-driven vessel of 20 meters or more in length the masthead lights shall be placed as follows: (i) The forward masthead light, or if only one masthead light is carried, then that light, at a height above the hull of not less than 5 meters, and, if the breadth of the vessel exceeds 5 meters, then at a height above the hull not less than such breadth, so however that the light need not be placed at a greater height above the hull than 8 meters. (ii) When two masthead lights are carried the after one shall be at least 2 meters vertically higher than the forward one. (b) The vertical separation of the masthead lights of power-driven vessels shall be such that in all normal conditions of trim the after light will be se…

COLREGs Rule 21

COLREGs Rule 21 — Definitions (a) “Masthead light” means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel. (b) “Sidelights” means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel of less than 20 meters in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel. (c) “Sternlight” means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the …

COLREGs Rule 22

COLREGs Rule 22 — Visibility of Lights The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as specified in Section 8 of Annex I to these Regulations so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges: (a) In vessels of 50 meters or more in length: − a masthead light, 6 miles; − a sidelight, 3 miles; − a sternlight, 3 miles; − a towing light, 3 miles; − a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles. (b) In vessels of 12 meters or more in length but less than 50 meters in length: − a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles; − a sidelight, 2 miles; − a sternlight, 2 miles; − a towing light, 2 miles; − a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles. (c) In vessels of less than 12 meters in length: − a masth…