Rule 24 – Explained

Part C · Lights and shapes · Rule 24

Towing and pushing

24(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.

“A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit”These are the lights and shapes of the vessel doing the towing, when the tow is astern of her.
“(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”Instead of her forward masthead light (or her after one), she shows two masthead lights one above the other, or three if the tow is more than 200 metres long. The tow is measured from her stern to the after end of the tow.
“(ii) sidelights; (iii) a sternlight; (iv) a towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight”Normal sidelights and sternlight, plus a yellow towing light (Rule 21(d)) directly above the sternlight. From astern, yellow over white means she is towing.
“(v) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, a diamond shape where it can best be seen”By day, if the tow is more than 200 metres, she shows a diamond. The vessel or object being towed shows one too (24(e)(iii)).

Towing: two masthead lights in a vertical line (three if the tow is over 200 m), sidelights, sternlight and yellow towing light. Diamond by day if the tow is over 200 m.

Power-driven vessel unknown length, Port aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way — Port aspect · Towing · Length of tow more than 200m

Power-driven vessel unknown length, Starboard aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way — Starboard aspect · Towing · Length of tow more than 200m

A power-driven vessel less than 50 metres engaged in towing, length of tow less than 200m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Bow aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mBow aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel probably over 50m. (Rule 23)

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Bow aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mBow aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel probably over 50m. (Rule 23)

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel unknown length, Stern aspect, Towing, Length of tow unknown, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel unknown lengthStern aspectTowingLength of tow unknownUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel engaged in towing a dracone seen from the stern

Power-driven vessel unknown length, Stern aspect, Towing, Length of tow unknown, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel unknown lengthStern aspectTowingLength of tow unknownUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel engaged in towing a dracone seen from the stern

A power-driven vessel less than 50 metres engaged in towing, length of tow more than 200m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Bow aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mBow aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power driven vessel probably over 50m towing, length of tow less than 200m.

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Bow aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mBow aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power driven vessel probably over 50m towing, length of tow less than 200m.

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

A power-driven vessel probably over 50 metres engaged in towing, length of tow less than 200m

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Bow aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mBow aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power driven vessel less than 50m towing, length of tow more than 200m.

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Bow aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mBow aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power driven vessel less than 50m towing, length of tow more than 200m.

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowingLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

A power-driven vessel probably over 50 metres engaged in towing, length of tow more than 200m

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Bow aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mBow aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Bow aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mBow aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowingLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

24(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.

“When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit”For example, a pusher tug locked rigidly into a notch in the stern of a barge, so the two move as one.
“they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 23”Together they count as one power-driven vessel and show the normal Rule 23 lights, not towing lights.

A rigid pusher-and-barge composite unit looks like an ordinary power-driven vessel.

24(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.

“A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except in the case of a composite unit”This covers a vessel pushing another ahead, or towing one lashed alongside, when they are not a rigid 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”She shows two masthead lights in a vertical line, sidelights and a sternlight. No towing light: that is only for towing astern.

Pushing ahead or towing alongside: two masthead lights in a vertical line, sidelights and sternlight, but no yellow towing light.

Power-driven vessel pushing ahead

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Bow aspect, Pushing, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresBow aspectPushingUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Bow aspect, Pushing, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresBow aspectPushingUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Port aspect, Pushing, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresPort aspectPushingUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel towing alongside.

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Port aspect, Pushing, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresPort aspectPushingUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel towing alongside.

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Starboard aspect, Pushing, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresStarboard aspectPushingUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel towing alongside.

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Starboard aspect, Pushing, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresStarboard aspectPushingUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel towing alongside.

Power-driven vessel, Stern aspect, Pushing, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vesselStern aspectPushingUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Sailing vessel, stern aspect.
Power-driven vessel any size, stern aspect.
Power-driven vessel less than 7m and max speed does not exceed 7 knots.
Any vessel under 50m at anchor.
Sailing vessel less than 7m.
Vessel under oars.

Power-driven vessel, Stern aspect, Pushing, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vesselStern aspectPushingUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Sailing vessel, stern aspect.
Power-driven vessel any size, stern aspect.
Power-driven vessel less than 7m and max speed does not exceed 7 knots.
Any vessel under 50m at anchor.
Sailing vessel less than 7m.
Vessel under oars.

Power-driven vessel towing alongside

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Bow aspect, Towing alongside, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresBow aspectTowing alongsideUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Bow aspect, Towing alongside, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresBow aspectTowing alongsideUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Port aspect, Towing alongside, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresPort aspectTowing alongsideUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel pushing.

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Port aspect, Towing alongside, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresPort aspectTowing alongsideUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel pushing.

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Starboard aspect, Towing alongside, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresStarboard aspectTowing alongsideUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel pushing.

Power-driven vessel less than 50 metres, Starboard aspect, Towing alongside, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50 metresStarboard aspectTowing alongsideUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel pushing.

Power-driven vessel, Unknown length, Stern aspect, Towing alongside, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vesselUnknown lengthStern aspectTowing alongsideUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Two sailing vessels stern aspect in close proximity.
Two Power-driven vessels stern aspect in close proximity.
Two power driven vessels less than 7m and max speed does not exceed 7 knots in close proximity.
Two vessels under 50m at anchor in close proximity
Two sailing vessels less than 7m in close proximity.
Two vessels under oars in close proximity.

Power-driven vessel, Unknown length, Stern aspect, Towing alongside, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vesselUnknown lengthStern aspectTowing alongsideUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Two sailing vessels stern aspect in close proximity.
Two Power-driven vessels stern aspect in close proximity.
Two power driven vessels less than 7m and max speed does not exceed 7 knots in close proximity.
Two vessels under 50m at anchor in close proximity
Two sailing vessels less than 7m in close proximity.
Two vessels under oars in close proximity.

24(d) A power-driven vessel to which paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule applies shall also comply with Rule 23(a) (ii).

“A power-driven vessel to which paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule applies shall also comply with Rule 23(a) (ii)”Rule 23(a)(ii) is the after masthead light. A towing or pushing vessel of 50 metres or more must also show it; under 50 metres it is optional. So the vertical masthead lights can be accompanied by an after masthead light higher up.

Towing and pushing vessels follow the same after-masthead-light rule as other power-driven vessels.

24(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.

“A vessel or object being towed, other than those mentioned in paragraph (g) of this Rule”This is the vessel or object being towed astern, except low, partly submerged tows, which follow 24(g).
“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”She shows sidelights and a sternlight, but no masthead light. By day, if the tow is more than 200 metres, she shows a diamond as well.

The towed vessel: sidelights and sternlight, no masthead light. Diamond by day if the tow is over 200 m.

24(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.

“Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel”Several barges pushed ahead together, or several vessels lashed alongside, are lit as if they were one vessel.
“(i) a vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end sidelights”A vessel being pushed ahead shows sidelights at her forward end. Her stern is against the pusher, so no sternlight.
“(ii) a vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end, sidelights”A vessel towed alongside shows sidelights at her forward end and a sternlight.

Pushed ahead: sidelights at the forward end. Towed alongside: sidelights at the forward end and a sternlight.

24(g) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object, or combination of such vessels or objects being towed, shall exhibit:

“An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object, or combination of such vessels or objects being towed, shall exhibit”Some tows lie so low that they are hard to see, for example a dracone (a flexible towed tank) or a waterlogged hulk. Instead of sidelights and a sternlight they show all-round white lights and diamonds, as set out in (i) to (iv). Their white lights must be visible at 3 miles (Rule 22(d)).

Low, partly submerged tows show all-round white lights and diamonds instead of sidelights and a sternlight.

24(g)(i) if it is less than 25 metres in breadth, one all-round white light at or near the forward end and one at or near the after end except that dracones need not exhibit a light at or near the forward end;

“if it is less than 25 metres in breadth, one all-round white light at or near the forward end and one at or near the after end except that dracones need not exhibit a light at or near the forward end”Under 25 metres wide: an all-round white light at each end. A dracone may leave out the forward light, so you may see only one white light behind the tug.

Under 25 m wide: a white light at each end (a dracone may show only the after one).

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth – less than 50 m, tow under 200 m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel, Unknown length, Stern aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth, Length of tow unknown – day — Power-driven vesselUnknown lengthStern aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadthLength of tow unknownUnderway, possibly making way

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth – probably over 50 m, tow under 200 m

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth – less than 50 m, tow over 200 m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadthLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object less than 25m in breadth – probably over 50 m, tow over 200 m

Towing a dracone – less than 50 m, tow under 200 m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel unknown length, Stern aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow unknown, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel unknown lengthStern aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow unknownUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel towing another vessel or object.

Power-driven vessel unknown length, Stern aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow unknown, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel unknown lengthStern aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow unknownUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel towing another vessel or object.

Towing a dracone – probably over 50 m, tow under 200 m

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Towing a dracone – less than 50 m, tow over 200 m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Towing a dracone – probably over 50 m, tow over 200 m

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing a dracone, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – night — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowing a draconeLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

24(g)(ii) if it is 25 metres or more in breadth, two additional all-round white lights at or near the extremities of its breadth;

“if it is 25 metres or more in breadth, two additional all-round white lights at or near the extremities of its breadth”25 metres or more wide: two more all-round white lights, one at each side, showing how wide the tow is.

25 m or more wide: add white lights at each side.

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth – less than 50 m, tow under 200 m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Bow aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mBow aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel unknown size, Stern aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow unknown, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel unknown sizeStern aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadthLength of tow unknownUnderway, possibly making way

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth – less than 50 m, tow over 200 m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Bow aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mBow aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadthLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadthLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth – probably over 50 m, tow under 200 m

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Bow aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mBow aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way
This could also be:
Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow more than 200m

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object more than 25m in breadth – probably over 50 m, tow over 200 m

24(g)(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;

“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”More than 100 metres long: extra all-round white lights along it, so no two lights are more than 100 metres apart. A line of white lights low on the water shows its full length.

Over 100 m long: white lights no more than 100 m apart.

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length – less than 50 m, tow under 200 m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in lengthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mStarboard aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in lengthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel unknown size, Stern aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length, Length of tow unknown, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel unknown sizeStern aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in lengthLength of tow unknownUnderway, possibly making way

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length – probably over 50 m, tow under 200 m

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mPort aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in lengthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Power-driven vessel probably over 50m, Starboard aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel probably over 50mStarboard aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in lengthLength of tow less than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length – less than 50 m, tow over 200 m

Power-driven vessel less than 50m, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way – day — Power-driven vessel less than 50mPort aspectTowing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in lengthLength of tow more than 200mUnderway, possibly making way

Towing inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object more than 100m in length – probably over 50 m, tow over 200 m

24(g)(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.

“a diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed”By day, always a diamond at or near the after end of the last vessel or object in the tow.
“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”If the tow is more than 200 metres long, a second diamond as far forward as is practicable.

By day: a diamond at the after end, and a second one forward if the tow is over 200 m.

Power-driven vessel, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way — Port aspect · Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object · Length of tow less than 200m

Power-driven vessel, Port aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way — Port aspect · Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object · Length of tow more than 200m

Power-driven vessel, Starboard aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object, Length of tow less than 200m, Underway, possibly making way — Starboard aspect · Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object · Length of tow less than 200m

Power-driven vessel, Starboard aspect, Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object, Length of tow more than 200m, Underway, possibly making way — Starboard aspect · Towing inconspicuous or partly submerged vessel or object · Length of tow more than 200m

24(h) Where 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 towed or at least to indicate the presence of such vessel or object.

“Where 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”Sometimes the tow can’t carry the proper lights or shapes, for example a damaged vessel with no power.
“all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of such vessel or object”Then do everything possible to light it, or at least to show that something is there, for example with portable lights or by shining a searchlight on it.

If the tow can’t show the proper lights, light it somehow, or at least make sure others know it’s there.

24(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.

“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”A vessel that doesn’t normally tow, for example a fishing vessel or yacht going to help a vessel in distress, needn’t show towing lights if she can’t.
“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”She must still show that she is towing, using signals allowed by Rule 36 (signals to attract attention), in particular by shining a light on the towline.

A vessel helping another in an emergency may tow without towing lights, but should light up the towline.