Lights Lesson 5: Pilot, Anchor and Aground

Lights Lesson 5: Pilot, Anchor and Aground

Rules 29–30

Identify pilotage, anchoring and grounding signals.

Core lesson

A pilot vessel engaged on pilotage duty shows white over red. A vessel at anchor generally shows an all-round white light or ball forward and, at 50 m or more, a second lower white light aft. A vessel aground adds two all-round red lights and three balls to the anchor signals.

Scenario: At night you see two red all-round lights vertically plus anchor lights. What is the condition?

Show the recommended decision

A vessel aground.

Rule link: Rule 30(d).

Source: USCG Navigation Rules.

Educational material only. It does not replace the current official rules, notices, local regulations, proper training or prudent seamanship.