I understand the lights but what aspect is this supposed to represent? It looks more like it's alongside vice astern.
Deck
Rules of the Road: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The display of lights shown in illustration D048RR b...
Discussing this exam question.
Because the stern/towing lights of the towing vessel are in sight, you are seeing it from astern. The second white light represents the stern light of the vessel/object being towed. Consider the towing vessel and tow are ahead of you with roughly a port-150 degree angle on the bow.
"It looks more like it's alongside vice astern."
In this case, if the tug and tow were inland there would be two yellow tow lights, while international just the white stern light as a tow light is only necessary for towing astern.
In this case, if the tug and tow were inland there would be two yellow tow lights, while international just the white stern light as a tow light is only necessary for towing astern.