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Steven,your reply of this morning got me wondering so I did some research
for us.I got out my copy of the Colregs requirements and found an
answer.After I got the info from the Colregs a call was placed to an M.S.O.
inspector I know to make sure I got it correct.
Rule 22 (d); Rule 24 (a)(1) and (g) and Rule 36 apply to your situation.
A vessel is deamed to be towing astern if pulling another vessel or object
through the water.Object is the key word.A towed log can be considered a tow
if the correct lights and signs are shown.
Now,the inspector stated that if the towing vessel is showing the proscribed
lights or shapes for the kind of tow being used all other vessels
(commercial and private) must navigate accordingly per the rules.If the
towed object or vessel is damaged while showing the proscribed signals by
the actions of another vessel contrary to the rules at the least a civil
action can be brought against the offending vessel.You can do what you wish
with this info.It's your gear.
A case in point was given to me by the inspector.A vessel was towing astern
an accustic array for mapping and showing all proscribed signals for a tow >
200 meters.Another vessel,not seeing the towed object, crossed astern of the
towing vessel and fouled the gear in her props.The crossing vessel had to
pay for all the damage and loss of time that the towing vessel incured in
this incident because the towing vessel showed the proper lights and shapes
even though the towed object was submerged.

   

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