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 stern 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 sternlight;
(iv) a towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight;
(v) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.
(b) 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) A power driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except in the case of a composite unit, shall exhibit:
(i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line.
(ii) sidelights;
(iii a sternlight.
(d) A power driven vessel to which paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule apply shall also comply with rule 23(a)(ii).
(e) A vessel or object being towed, other than those mentioned in paragraph (g) of this Rule, shall exhibit:
(i) sidelights;
(ii) a sternlight;
(iii) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.
(f) Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel,
(i) a vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end, sidelights;
(ii) a vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end, sidelights.
(g) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object, or combination of such vessels or objects being towed, shall exhibit:
(i) if it is less than 25 metres in breadth, one all-round white light at or near the front end and one at or near the after end except that dracones need not exhibit a light at or near the forward end;
(ii) if it is 25 metres or more in breadth, two or more additional all-round white lights at or near the extremities of its breadth;
(iii) if it exceeds 100 metres in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed 100 metres;
(iv) a diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed and if the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres an additional diamond shape where it can best be seen and located as far forward as is practicable.
(h) When from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraph (e) or (g) of this Rule, all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object being towed or at least indicate the presence of such vessel or object.
(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.
This is an incredibly complicated rule to read and understand, due to the continuous references to Rule 23 and also referencing back within Rule 24. Again, the only way that it becomes easier to determine what this Rule is saying, is to draw the different characteristics for all the types of towing/towed vessel mentioned. Remarkably, provided that the drawing is done correctly, then this Rule becomes simplicity itself – honestly! For example, a vessel towing may have two or three masthead lights in a vertical line, but a vessel pushing will only ever have two.
Some types of vessel mentioned within this Rule have been found to require amplification. The most frequently asked questions are “What is a composite unit, and what is a dracone?”
A composite unit (paragraph (b)) is a composition of one or more units that are capable of being mechanically locked together with a tug. When they are so connected, to all intents and purposes, they become a single power driven vessel.
A dracone (paragraph (g (i)) is a large a rubber bag, usually filled with oil. It therefore floats just on the surface and is extremely hard to see. Dracones were used a lot post WWII (50’s and 60’s) but with the advent of MARPOL regulations, are more of a liability now and so are rarely, if ever used.
Audio file:
You must be logged in to post a comment.