Bart Senior wrote:
Neal,

Take a look at this link to the most current rules:

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navru...les/Rule24.htm

"a vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit,
shall exhibit at the forward end, sidelights, and a special flashing light
[Inld];"

Both hip tow and pushing ahead for inland have the special flashing light.

The only difference between the two--aside from physical configuration is
there is no stern light on the push ahead tow. Both have special flashing
lights on the bow of the tow.


This can be a problem for many. Aside from the updated version of the
"Rules" on my computer, I keep two hard copy (one of them a quick
reference) of older versions (one May, 1977) plus two predating the 72
COLREGS.
I frequently find that some will answer a Rules question, based on
outdated "rules", and I oft times find myself looking back through all
copies because something has perked an old forgotten brain cell, either
in the question or someone's answer.

otn