Which light(s) are required for a vessel being towed?

For a vessel being towed, proper lighting is essential for ensuring visibility and safety during navigation, particularly during nighttime or reduced visibility conditions. The correct requirement is that a vessel being towed must exhibit both stern lights and sidelights.

Stern lights are crucial as they indicate the presence of the vessel from behind, while sidelights help to show the boat’s orientation from the sides. This combination allows other vessels to accurately perceive the position and direction of the towed vessel, thereby preventing collisions and ensuring safe passage in shared waterways.

In contrast, sidelights alone would not provide a complete picture of the vessel's position, and stern lights alone would not convey its direction. The white masthead light is typically required for larger vessels but does not replace the need for both stern and sidelights on a towed vessel. Therefore, utilizing both types of lights is critical for compliance with the USCG Rules of the Road and for the overall safety of marine navigation.