(International Only) A 20-meter power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside will display____.

(International Only) A 20-meter power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside will display____.

• A. Two masthead lights in a vertical line
• B. Two all-round white lights in a vertical line
• C. One masthead light
• D. Three masthead lights in a vertical line

Answer: (A)

Navigation lights convey what a vessel is doing, so others understand how it will move and what to expect at night. When a power-driven vessel is pushing another vessel ahead or towing alongside, the required signal is two masthead lights displayed in a vertical line. This distinct pattern signals the towing/pushing arrangement and distinguishes it from a normal underway power-driven vessel, which would show only a single masthead light along with its sidelights and stern light. The two masthead lights alert nearby vessels to the towing/pushing configuration, helping others judge speed, distance, and safe passing options. The other lighting patterns would not indicate this specific situation: a single masthead light reads as a standard underway vessel, two all-round white lights imply a different status, and three masthead lights would not match the regulation for this scenario.

Navigation lights convey what a vessel is doing, so others understand how it will move and what to expect at night. When a power-driven vessel is pushing another vessel ahead or towing alongside, the required signal is two masthead lights displayed in a vertical line. This distinct pattern signals the towing/pushing arrangement and distinguishes it from a normal underway power-driven vessel, which would show only a single masthead light along with its sidelights and stern light. The two masthead lights alert nearby vessels to the towing/pushing configuration, helping others judge speed, distance, and safe passing options. The other lighting patterns would not indicate this specific situation: a single masthead light reads as a standard underway vessel, two all-round white lights imply a different status, and three masthead lights would not match the regulation for this scenario.