Rules of the Road · Western Rivers & Great Lakes
A towing vessel on the Western Rivers departs from the standard rules because:
- ATowing vessels are exempt from all whistle signal requirements
- BThe current and the nature of tow operations make the descending-priority rule more practical✓ Correct
- CWestern Rivers towing vessels carry no lights
- DTowing vessels on Western Rivers use VHF Ch 16 exclusively
Explanation
The descending-vessel priority rule in Inland Rule 9(a)(ii) reflects the physical reality that current gives downstream vessels greater speed and less lateral control, making it more dangerous for the descending vessel (often large tows) to yield.
Authority: Inland Rule 9(a)(ii)
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