Section 6: Lights and Sound Signals 79
Sailing Vessels Less Than 65.6
Feet (20 Meters)
A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit sidelights
and a stern light (Figure 6-5).
If the sailing vessel is less than 20
meters in length the sidelights and stern light
may be combined in one lantern carried at
or near the top of the mast (Figure 6-6).
Sailing Vessels Less Than 23
Feet (7 Meters) and Boats
Propelled by Oars
and Paddles
It may not be practical for a sailing vessel
of less than 7 meters in length or a boat
propelled by oars and/or paddles to exhibit
sidelights and a stern light. This boat shall
have a white light ready at hand, such as a
flashlight, to exhibit in sufficient time to
prevent collision (Figure 6-7).
Vessels Restricted in the
Ability to Maneuver
Vessels towing astern, in addition to red and
green sidelights and white stern light, will
display:
• Two forward white masthead lights in a
vertical line (tows over 650 feet require
three masthead lights).
• A yellow towing light above the white
stern light (towing lights also shine 135
degrees aft).
The vessel being towed will display red and
green sidelights and white stern light.
Vessels pushing ahead or towing
alongside (Figure 6-8), in addition to standard
red and green sidelights and masthead
lights depicted above, display:
• In international waters, a single stern light
• In inland waters, two yellow towing lights
in place of a white stern light
Groups of vessels being pushed or towed
alongside are lighted as a single vessel.
Those being pushed display red and green
sidelights forward. Those being towed
Figure 6-8. Tug towing and pushing a barge. A power-driven vessel pushing
ahead on the Mississippi River and operating above the Huey P. Long Bridge
at mile 106.1 Above Head of Passes does not show the two masthead lights
illustrated in the lower picture.
alongside display a white stern light in
addition to the sidelights.
In inland waters, a special flashing
yellow light (50-70 flashes per minute) is
displayed forward on a vessel or group of
vessels being pushed or towed alongside.
The arc of the light must be at least 180
degrees, but not more than 225 degrees.
In other words, the light may be seen anywhere
from dead ahead of the towing vessel
to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either
side of the vessel.
Vessels engaged in fishing (Figure
6-9) and trawling (Figure 6-10) are
restricted in their ability to maneuver due
to their fishing apparatus.
Tip: Accidents often occur at night when vessels
try to cross between vessels towing and vessels being
towed. Tow lines are usually below the surface and
very hazardous! If you see more than one white masthead
light, or any lights you do not recognize, stay
away until you determine what it is.
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