Ferries

Keep clear of ferries at dock or in transit.    If you are local to the area you should be aware of ferry schedules and time your transit accordingly.

Be especially vigilant as you approach a docked ferry as it may be just about to depart.   Listen for large ships signalling departure from dock with one prolonged blast.

Be very wary of cable ferries.    Never pass between the bow and shore of a cable ferry.    If there is sufficient distance and you have shallow draft, pass at a point half way between the stern of the cable ferry and shore, or wait for the cable ferry to dock before transiting.

Vessel in Tow

Stay well clear of tugs and other towing vessels.   Tugs may tow vessels on a long tow line that extends behind the tug. The tow line is often so long that it hangs below the surface of the water.   Never pass between a tug and it's tow.   If a small boat were to hit the hidden line, it could capsize and be run down by the object being towed.   Give the tug and its tow plenty of space in every direction.

Be alert for special lights displayed by tugs and other towing vessels and their tows.  The tug is usually more visible than its tow, whose navigation lights do not include masthead lights and are often much dimmer than those of the tug.

If a power-driven vessel is towing another vessel or object from its stern, the power-driven vessel must display:

• sidelights
• sternlight
• towing light (yellow light with the same characteristics as sternlight)
• two masthead lights in a vertical line, three if the tow exceeds 200 m
• a diamond shape where it will be easy to see if the tow exceeds 200 m

If a barge, vessel or any other object is being towed, it will display:

• sidelights
• sternlight
• a diamond shape where it will be easy to see if the tow exceeds 200 m

If the above requirements are not practical the tow must carry one all-round white light at each end (front and back).