Rule 24 — Towing and Pushing (lights)
Exam frequency
70%
Difficulty
4/5
Drill questions
55
Authoritative sources
- 33 CFR 83.24
- COLREGs Rule 24
- Inland Rule 24
Source excerpts
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 §164.76
§ 164.76 § 164.76 Towline and terminal gear for towing alongside and pushing ahead. The owner, master, or operator of each vessel towing alongside or pushing ahead shall ensure that the face wires, spring lines, and push gear used— (a) Are appropriate for the vessel's horsepower; (b) Are appropriate for the arrangement of the tow; (c) Are frequently inspected; and (d) Remain serviceable. [CGD 94-020, 61 FR 35075, July 3, 1996]
33 CFR §83.21
§ 83.21 § 83.21 Definitions (Rule 21). (a)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, except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters in length the masthead light shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel. (b)mean 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. On a vessel of less than 20 meters in length the side lights may be combined in o…
33 CFR §83.22
§ 83.22 § 83.22 Visibility of lights (Rule 22). The lights prescribed in these Rules (Subpart C) shall have an intensity as specified in Annex I to these Rules (33 CFR part 84), so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges: (a) In a vessel of 50 meters or more in length: (i) A masthead light, 6 miles; (ii) A sidelight, 3 miles; (iii) A sternlight, 3 miles; (iv) A towing light, 3 miles; (v) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles; and (vi) A special flashing light, 2 miles. (b) In a vessel of 12 meters or more in length but less than 50 meters in length: (i) A masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles; (ii) A sidelight, 2 miles; (iii) A sternlight, 2 miles; (iv) A towing light, 2 miles; (v) A white…
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…
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A vessel being pushed ahead that is NOT part of a composite unit is required to exhibit which lights at its forward end?
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