Question 585 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is B) stern light. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules, a vessel or object being towed astern is required to display a stern light. This is specified in Rule 24 of both the international and inland navigation rules. The stern light helps indicate the vessel's orientation and provides situational awareness to other vessels in the area. The other options are incorrect because a vessel being towed does not need to display an after masthead light (A), a forward masthead light (C), or all of the above (D). The stern light is the only light required to be displayed by a vessel or object being towed astern.