What is the requirement for masthead lights on vessels over 200 meters long while towing?

For vessels over 200 meters in length when towing, the requirement is to have three masthead lights arranged in a vertical line. This configuration is mandated by the regulations to enhance visibility and ensure that other vessels can determine the size and nature of the towing vessel and its tow. The vertical arrangement helps to distinguish the vessel from others, especially when operating at night or in low visibility conditions.

Regulatory standards specify this setup to indicate that the vessel is not only larger but also actively engaged in towing operations, providing crucial navigational information to nearby vessels. The extra masthead light ensures that the vessel is easily identifiable from various angles, which is important for safe navigation and collision avoidance on the water.