If you are towing at night, what should you consider?

If you are towing at night, what should you consider?

• A. Use a dedicated towing light and proper lighting to indicate towing operations.
• B. No special lighting is required for towing at night.
• C. Only use standard navigation lights.
• D. Turn off all lights to reduce glare.

Answer: (A)

When you’re towing at night, your lighting must clearly signal the towing operation to other mariners. The way to do this is to display a dedicated towing light (typically two white lights in a vertical line) in addition to your regular navigation lights. This extra light communicates that a tow is in progress and helps others judge your vessel’s length and maneuvering needs, so they can pass safely or give you extra room. Relying only on standard navigation lights doesn’t clearly indicate that you’re towing, which can lead to misinterpretation and a higher risk of collision. Turning off lights or using no special signaling is dangerous and not compliant. Keep the towing light visible and properly positioned to maintain safety and compliance at night.

When you’re towing at night, your lighting must clearly signal the towing operation to other mariners. The way to do this is to display a dedicated towing light (typically two white lights in a vertical line) in addition to your regular navigation lights. This extra light communicates that a tow is in progress and helps others judge your vessel’s length and maneuvering needs, so they can pass safely or give you extra room. Relying only on standard navigation lights doesn’t clearly indicate that you’re towing, which can lead to misinterpretation and a higher risk of collision. Turning off lights or using no special signaling is dangerous and not compliant. Keep the towing light visible and properly positioned to maintain safety and compliance at night.