wrote:
BOTH INTERNATIONAL and INLAND
Which of the dayshapes listed would you show on
the after end of an inconspicuous partially
submerged vessel or object being towed less than
200 meters in length?
A. Sphere
B. Two cones joined at there bases such to display
a diamond shape
C. Two cones joined at their apex
D. No dayshape would be shown.
This is one of the most complicated rules in it's specifications, but
relatively simple to apply and remember. AFAIK none of the above answers
are strictly correct. A diamond is the towing shape and should be
displayed at the mast head of the tow vessel. She should also display
towing lights (two or three vertical white all-round). A tow has to be
marked & lit, too.
BTW thanks for the questions Bart.
Regards
Doug King
From
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navru...les/Rule24.htm
Rule 24- Towing & Pushing --(quote)--
(g) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object, or
combination of such vessels or objects being towed, [Intl] shall exhibit:
International
(i) if it is less than 25 meters 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.
(ii) if it is 25 meters or more in breadth, two or more additional
all-round white lights at or near the extremities of its breadth;
Inland
(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;
3. 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 [Inld];
4. 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 meters an additional diamond shape where it can best be seen and
located as far forward as is practicable. [Intl]
5. the towing vessel may direct a searchlight in the direction
of the tow to indicate its presence to an approaching vessel. [Inld]
(h) When from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel
or object being towed to exhibit the lights or shapes [Intl] 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 / unlighted] vessel or object.
(i) 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: [Inld]
1. sidelights; and [Inld]
2. two towing lights in a vertical line. [Inld]
(i/j) 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), (c) or (i) [Inld] 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 / tow].