This is an interesting question, and shows out how the
Rules do change. I need to either go through my Rule
books and make updates, or else get a new ones.

I believe the long tug/long tow option is GONE where four
white verticle lights were used for this configuration. Tugs
with tows would display either 2 or 3 masthead lights.
3 for long tow over 200 meters. Rule 23 (a) ii no longer
applies for tows.

****

Here is how I remember it for short tug.

The idea is to think about what lights you take
away as you make changes from tow-behind to
hip-tow, to push-ahead-tow.

****

For International and Inland the tow-behind lights are the same:

Long Tow [behind]

Three whites on the mast, diamond dayshape on tow and
last barge. Yellow tow light over stern light, sidelights on
Tow. Barges have sidelights and sternlights.

Short Tow--[Drop a couple barges] Drop tug masthead
lights--from three to 2. Also drop dayshapes.

International:

Bring Tow up to hip-tow. Drop yellow tow light.
Bring Tow up to tow-ahead. Drop stern light on tow

Inland
Swap sternlight for two yellow tow lights aft.
Add special flashing lights to bows of tow for
both hip tow and push-ahead tow.

For Western Rivers with low bridge clearance,
you get to drop the tug's two white lights. In
such cases, there are no white lights on a push
ahead tow!

******

Optional--direct searchlight in direction of tow

Partially submerged tows need a 360 white light at each end.
Also black diamond dayshape and searchlight.

Bart


"DSK" wrote in

Bart Senior wrote:
Doug,

What is the difference in lights between the
hip tow and pushing ahead?


AFAIK there isn't a difference. In both cases the towing/pushing vessel
displays running lights + towing lights, the tow displays yellow lights.

No stern light on push-ahead barge.


I don't know this stuff by heart, I always look it up. On those rare
occasions when we're underway at night and see a tow, I call the skipper
on VHF... is that cheating?

DSK