COLREG Rule 24, Rule 27 And Rule 35 A Vessel Engaged In Towing

Extract from Rule 24 - Towing and pushing 

(a) A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit:

(i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23 (a) (i) or (a) (ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stem of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds 200 metres. three such lights in a vertical line;

(ii) sidelights;

(iii) a stern light;

(iv) a towing light in a vertical line above the stern light;

(v) when the length oi‘ the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(d) A power driven vessel to which paragraphs (a) or (c ) of this Rule apply shall also comply with Rule

23 (a) (ii).

(i) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule, such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being towed as authorized by Rule 36. in particular by illuminating the towline.

Extract from Rue 27 - Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre

(b) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, except a vessel engaged in mineralogical operations. shall exhibit:

(i) three ail-round rights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;

(ii) three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond.

(c ) A power-driven vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 24 (an), exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (b) (i) and (ii) of this Rule.

Extract from Rule 35 Sound signals in restricted visibility

In or near an area of restricted Visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as follows:

(a) A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast.

(b) A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about 2 seconds between them.

(c) A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, a vessel constrained by her draught, a sailing vessel. a vessel engaged in fishing and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule, sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blasts.

(f) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and shall give the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule