In Restricted Visibility, when being towed, what signal does the towed vessel emit?

• A. 1 prolonged followed by 3 short
• B. 1 long blast every two minutes
• C. 3 short followed by 1 long
• D. 2 short blasts followed by 1 long

Answer: (A)

In restricted visibility, vessels use standardized sound signals to convey their status to others. When a vessel is being towed, the signal it emits is a single prolonged blast followed by three short blasts. This pattern clearly communicates to nearby vessels that the vessel is being towed and not maneuvering independently, so others can slow, steer clear, or take appropriate action. The signal is typically repeated at intervals (not more than a couple of minutes) to keep others informed until the tow ends. Other signal patterns are used for different situations, so they don’t indicate that the vessel is being towed.