Rule 24 — Towing and Pushing (lights)

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 3 §3.3

Towing Pushing ahead — the towing vessel made fast to the stern of the tow and pushing — is the standard towboat arrangement on the Western Rivers. The Boat Crew Seamanship Manual defines the towboat in its glossary but teaches only towing astern and alongside for Coast Guard boats (Ch. 17). Lights and shapes for a pushing tow are prescribed by Inland Rule 24 (33 CFR 83.24), not by the manual.

33 CFR §82.3

Pushing vessel and vessel being pushed: Composite unit. Rule 24(b) of the 72 COLREGS states that when a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit, they are regarded as a power-driven vessel and must exhibit the lights under Rule 23. A “composite unit” is interpreted to be a pushing vessel that is rigidly connected by mechanical means to a vessel being pushed so they react to sea and swell as one vessel. “Mechanical means” does not include the following: (a) Lines. (b) Hawsers. (c) Wires. (d) Chains. [CGD 76-133, 42 FR 35792, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]

33 CFR §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 23 (§ 83.23). (c…

COLREGs Rule 21(d)

Definitions (d) Towing light means a yellow light having the same characteristics as the sternlight defined in paragraph (c) of this Rule. Relationship to the Inland Rules: Inland Rule 21 differs from this rule — compare against 33 CFR 83.21 before answering a question that turns on which set applies.

COLREGs Rule 24

Towing and Pushing (a) A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit: (i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(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. Power-driven vessel towing astern—towing vessel less than 50 meters in length; length of tow exceeds 200 meters. Same for Inland (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-dr…

COLREGs Rule 24(a)

Towing and Pushing (a) A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit: (i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(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. Power-driven vessel towing astern—towing vessel less than 50 meters in length; length of tow exceeds 200 meters. Same for Inland Relationship to the Inland Rules: Inland Rule 24 differs from this rule — compare against 33 CFR 83.24 before answering a question that…