In a towed alongside situation, what lights must be displayed?

In a towed alongside situation, the correct display of lights includes both sidelights and a sternlight. This is important for collision avoidance and ensuring that other vessels can see the towed vessel clearly.

Sidelights are essential as they help indicate the position and orientation of the vessel to other mariners, allowing them to identify which direction the vessel is facing. The presence of the sternlight complements this by illuminating the rear of the vessel, making it more visible and signaling its presence to those approaching from behind. This combination enhances safety on the water by making sure that the towed vessel is visible from all angles, which is crucial during night-time navigation or low visibility conditions.

On the other hand, a single white light does not provide sufficient information regarding the vessel's orientation and could lead to confusion among other vessels. Displaying no lights at all would be against the regulations, as it greatly increases the risk of collision. Therefore, the combination of sidelights and a sternlight is necessary to effectively communicate the presence of a towed vessel and to promote navigational safety.