Final answer:
The lights and shapes for a vessel being towed include a yellow light visible from all directions to signal its status, with additional lights for tows over 200 meters and diamond shapes for daylight signals. These are part of the COLREGS which ensure maritime safety and are internationally recognized.
Step-by-step explanation:
A student asked about the lights and shapes of a vessel being towed. The maritime regulations specify that when a vessel is being towed, it must show certain lights and shapes to signal its status to other vessels, ensuring safety and preventing collisions at sea. The standard signals for a towed vessel include a yellow light, which should be seen from any direction, and displayed where it can best be seen. If the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, additional lights are required, and specific shape signals during the day such as a diamond shape are used to indicate the length of the tow. Mariners need to recognize and understand these lights and shapes to navigate safely and comply with maritime laws.
These rules are an integral part of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), which every seafarer should be familiar with. The lights and shapes are designed to be understood by sailors worldwide, regardless of language barriers, hence their adoption in international regulations.