U.S. Code > Title 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters > CHAPTER 34—INLAND NAVIGATIONAL RULES (§§ 2001—2073) > SUBCHAPTER I—RULES (§§ 2001—2038) > Part C—Lights and Shapes (§§ 2020—2031) > § 2024. Towing and pushing (Rule 24)

§ 2024. Towing and pushing (Rule 24)

(a) Power-driven vessels when towing astern
A power-driven vessel when towing astern shall exhibit:
(i) instead of the light prescribed either in Rule 23 (a)(i) or 23 (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds 200 meters, three such lights in a vertical line;
(ii) sidelights;
(iii) a sternlight;
(iv) a towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight; and
(v) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.
(b) Pushing vessel and pushed vessel rigidly connected in composite unit
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 exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 23.
(c) Power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside
A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as required by paragraphs (b) and (i) of this Rule, shall exhibit:
(i) instead of the light prescribed either in Rule 23 (a)(i) or 23 (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line;
(ii) sidelights; and
(iii) two towing lights in a vertical line.
(d) Compliance with other requirements
A power-driven vessel to which paragraphs (a) or (c) of this Rule apply shall also comply with Rule 23 (a)(i) and 23 (a)(ii).
(e) Vessels being towed
A vessel or object other than those referred to in paragraph (g) of this Rule being towed shall exhibit:
(i) sidelights;
(ii) a sternlight; and
(iii) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.
(f) Vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group
Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel, except as provided in paragraph (iii)—
(i) a vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end, sidelights and a special flashing light;
(ii) a vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end, sidelights and a special flashing light; and
(iii) when vessels are towed alongside on both sides of the towing vessels a stern light [1] shall be exhibited on the stern of the outboard vessel on each side of the towing vessel, and a single set of sidelights as far forward and as far outboard as is practicable, and a single special flashing light.
(g) Inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed
An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed shall exhibit:
(i) if it is less than 25 meters in breadth, one all-round white light at or near each end;
(ii) if it is 25 meters or more in breadth, four all-round white lights to mark its length and breadth;
(iii) if it exceeds 100 meters in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed 100 meters: Provided, That any vessels or objects being towed alongside each other shall be lighted as one vessel or object;
(iv) a diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed; and
(v) the towing vessel may direct a searchlight in the direction of the tow to indicate its presence to an approaching vessel.
(h) Alternative lighting of vessel or object being towed
Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (e) or (g) of this Rule, all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of the unlighted vessel or object.
(i) Western Rivers or other specified waters; exception
Notwithstanding paragraph (c), on the Western Rivers (except below the Huey P. Long Bridge on the Mississippi River) and on waters specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as paragraph (b) applies, shall exhibit:
(i) sidelights; and
(ii) two towing lights in a vertical line.
(j) Towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance
Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed by paragraph (a), (c) or (i) 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 assisted. The searchlight authorized by Rule 36 may be used to illuminate the tow.

[1] So in original. Probably should be “sternlight”.