A towing vessel 30 meters in length is pushing barges ahead. How many white masthead lights is the vessel REQUIRED to show at night?

A towing vessel that is pushing ahead with barges is required to display two white masthead lights at night. This requirement stems from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specifically Rule 24, which outlines the signaling requirements for various types of vessels and their configurations.

When a towing vessel is pushing barges ahead, it is considered a composite unit, and the additional white masthead light is necessary to indicate the overall length of the vessel and its towed units. The two masthead lights are positioned vertically, with one light above the other, making it clear to other vessels that this is a towing situation, which enhances safety by improving visibility and recognition.

By displaying the requisite number of masthead lights, the towing vessel fulfills its obligation to communicate its operational status to other vessels navigating in the vicinity, thereby reducing the risk of collisions.