Law of Tug and Tow and Offshore Contracts

APPENDIX 19 Rules 24 and 35 of merchant shipping (distress signals and prevention of collisions) regulations 1989 (si 1989 no. 1798)

(a) A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit:
- (i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds 200 metres, three such lights in a vertical line;
- (ii) sidelights;
- (iii) a sternlight;
- (iv) a towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight;
- (v) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.
(b) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 23.
(c) A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except in the case of a composite unit, shall exhibit:
- (i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line;
- (ii) sidelights;
- (ii) a sternlight.
(d) A power-driven vessel to which paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule applies shall also comply with

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