A towing light is shown in addition to which light?

A towing light is shown in addition to which light?

• A. The bow light
• B. The stern light
• C. The masthead light
• D. The sidelights

Answer: (B)

When a vessel is towing another, a white towing light must be shown in addition to the normal navigation lights. This extra light is placed near the stern (often above the stern light) so that other vessels can clearly see that there is a tow being conducted. The standard forward lights—the bow/masthead lights and sidelights—still apply, but the towing light provides a distinct signal about the towing operation, which affects how other vessels should approach and pass. It isn’t added to the forward lights because those indicate the vessel’s forward direction; the towing light specifically communicates the towing status behind the vessel.

When a vessel is towing another, a white towing light must be shown in addition to the normal navigation lights. This extra light is placed near the stern (often above the stern light) so that other vessels can clearly see that there is a tow being conducted. The standard forward lights—the bow/masthead lights and sidelights—still apply, but the towing light provides a distinct signal about the towing operation, which affects how other vessels should approach and pass. It isn’t added to the forward lights because those indicate the vessel’s forward direction; the towing light specifically communicates the towing status behind the vessel.