Rules of the Road · Light Definitions & Visibility
What color is a towing light under the COLREGS and where is it positioned?
- AYellow; in a vertical line above the sternlight showing over the same arc as the sternlight✓ Correct
- BWhite; at the stern above the sternlight
- CYellow; at the masthead showing all-round
- DYellow; on the port side of the stern
Explanation
Rule 21(f) defines the towing light as a yellow light having the same characteristics as the sternlight (135-degree arc, centered on dead astern), positioned in a vertical line above the sternlight. Yellow over white at the stern identifies an astern tow.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 21(f)
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