Rule 24 — Towing and Pushing (lights)

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 §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…