Coast Guard Exams
Question 596Rules of the Road90% to pass

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 20 meter vessel is towing another vessel astern. The length of the tow from the stern of the towing vessel to the stern of the tow is 75 meters. How many white towing masthead lights shall the towing vessel show at night?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) 2 white towing masthead lights. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules, a vessel of 20 meters or more in length engaged in towing another vessel astern must display two white towing masthead lights. This is because the length of the tow (75 meters) exceeds 200 meters, which requires the display of two towing masthead lights. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) 1 light would not be sufficient for a tow of this length. C) and D) would require more than two towing masthead lights for a vessel of this size.

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