How should a vessel that is not equipped with towing lights indicate it has a vessel in tow?

A vessel that is not equipped with towing lights should indicate that it has a vessel in tow by shining a searchlight on the towline of the towed vessel. This method serves a critical function: it provides visual confirmation to other vessels navigating nearby that there is a tow engaged. By illuminating the towline, other vessel operators can see the connection between the two vessels, which is crucial for maintaining safety at sea and avoiding potential collisions.

This method is recognized as a practical solution under circumstances where conventional towing lights are unavailable, as it effectively signals the presence of the tow without the need for additional signaling devices. It conveys important information about the relationship between the two vessels, especially during low visibility conditions.

The alternative options are not effective for this purpose. Displaying a flag on the towed vessel could lead to confusion, as it doesn't clearly communicate the status of the tow to other vessels; the flag may not be visible or understood universally. Using a loudhailer to communicate is impractical for indicating a tow to other vessels, as it does not provide visual information. Activating a distress signal could mislead other vessels into thinking there is an emergency situation, rather than simply indicating a tow. Thus, using a searchlight in this context is the most