[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 33, Volume 1] [Revised as of July 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 33CFR82.3] [Page 205] TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PART 82--72 COLREGS: INTERPRETATIVE RULES--Table of Contents Sec. 82.3 Pushing vessel and vessel being pushed: Composite unit. Rule 24(b) of the 72 COLREGS states that when a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit, they are regarded as a power-driven vessel and must exhibit the lights under Rule 23. A ``composite unit'' is interpreted to be a pushing vessel that is rigidly connected by mechanical means to a vessel being pushed so they react to sea and swell as one vessel. ``Mechanical means'' does not include the following: (a) Lines. (b) Hawsers. (c) Wires. (d) Chains. [CGD 76-133, 42 FR 35792, July 11, 1977. Redesignated by CGD 81-017, 46 FR 28154, May 26, 1981]