OAR 250-011-0110: Towing and Pushing

(1) A power-driven vessel when towing astern shall exhibit: (a) Instead of the light prescribed either in OAR 250-011-0100(1)(a) or (b) 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 meters, three such lights in a vertical line; (b) Sidelights; (c) A sternlight; (d) A towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight; and (e) When the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen. (2) 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 OAR 250-011-0100. (3) A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as required by sections (2) and (9) of this rule, shall exhibit: (a) Instead of the light prescribed either in OAR 250-011-0100(1)(a) or (b), two masthead lights in a vertical line; (b) Sidelights; and (c) Two towing lights in a vertical line. (4) A power-driven vessel to which sections (1) and (3) of this rule apply shall also comply with OAR 250-011-0100(1)(a) or (b). (5) A vessel or object other than those referred to in section (7) of this rule being towed shall exhibit: (a) Sidelights; (b) A sternlight; and (c) When the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen. (6) Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel, except as provided in section 6(c) of this rule: (a) A vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end sidelights, and a special flashing light; and (b) A vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end sidelights (c) When vessels are towed alongside on both sides of the towing vessel, a sternlight shall be exhibited on the stern of the outboard vessel on each side of the towing vessel, and a single set of sidelights as far forward and as far outboard as is practicable, and a single special flashing light. (7) An inconspicuous, partly, submerged vessel or object being towed shall exhibit: (a) If it is less than 25 meters in breadth, one all-round white light at or near each end; (b) If it is 25 meters or more in breadth, four all-round white lights to mark its length and breadth; (c) If it exceeds 100 meters in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in sections (7)(a) and (b) of this rule so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed 100 meters: Provided, that any vessels or objects being towed alongside each other shall be lighted as one vessel or object; (d) A diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed; and (e) The towing vessel may direct a searchlight in the direction of the tow to indicate its presence to an approaching vessel. (8) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights prescribed in sections (5) and (7) of this rule, all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of the unlighted vessel or object. (9) Notwithstanding section (3) of this rule, on the Western Rivers and on waters specified by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, a power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as section (2) of this rule applies, shall exhibit: (a) Sidelights; and (b) Two towing lights in a vertical line. (10) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed by sections (1), (3) and (9) of this rule, such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being assisted. The searchlight authorized in OAR 250-011-0230 may be used to illuminate the tow.