Question 776 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is C) shining a searchlight on the towline of the towed vessel. According to the U.S. Coast Guard regulations, a vessel without proper towing lights must indicate it is towing another vessel by shining a searchlight on the towline. This allows other vessels to be aware of the towing situation, even if the towing vessel is not displaying the required towing lights. The other options are incorrect because sounding the horn (B) is not a required action, and a vessel is not allowed to engage in towing at night without proper navigation lights (D). Option A, sounding one prolonged followed by two short blasts, is the correct sound signal for a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, but does not specifically indicate the towing situation.