Deck: Rules of the Road

Rule 27 is unclear if it shall be only a stern tow. Only says towing operation.

the key word is may, you always have to show the required lights, but you may show additional lights if you so desire. If towing a stern, it's a good idea to light up the tow with a from the towing vessel

So no R W R if you are pushing ahead or towing along side ? You can be restricted in your ability to maneuver if you are pushing ahead or towing along side. This makes no sense to me.
I answered, D) all of th above

* is it just people like me trying to pass the test that are answering other people’s questions or are there people in charge of this site actually looking and responding to our questions?

RAM pertains to any condition, due to the nature of the work, prevents the vessel from maneuvering per the rules. This can be pushing, side tow or stern tow. Answer should be D. All of the above. See Rule 3(g)(vi).

RULE 27
Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre
(i) three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The
highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall
be white;
(ii) three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest
and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond;
(iii) when making way through the water, masthead light or lights, sidelights
and a sternlight, in addition to the lights prescribed in sub-paragraph (i);
Lights and shapes 117
(iv) when at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in subparagraphs
(i) and (ii), the light, lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30.
(c) A power-driven vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely
restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their
course shall, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 24(a),
exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (b)(i) and (ii) of this
Rule.

Yes, would ADMIN please correct this question!

27 (c) A power-driven vessel ENGAGED IN TOWING OPERATIONS such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 24(a) (two masthead lights, sidelights; a sternlight; a towing light) exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in subparagraphs (b)(i) and (ii) of this Rule. ( red white red)