Towing & Ship-Assist · Communications — Bridge-to-Bridge
On most U.S. waters, towing vessels coordinate meeting and passing with other vessels primarily by:
- AFlashing the deck lights
- BFlag hoists only
- CCell phone calls to the office
- DVHF bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone (commonly Channel 13) in addition to sound signals✓ Correct
Explanation
The Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone regulations require monitoring and use of VHF (Channel 13 on most waters, Channel 67 on lower Mississippi) for navigational coordination. Towing vessels routinely arrange passing 'one whistle/two whistle' agreements by radio, backed by the prescribed sound signals.
Authority: 33 CFR 26 (Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act); Navigation Rules
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Related Towing & Ship-Assist questions
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