Rule 30 - Anchored or aground

Please note: The following information has been reproduced from Part C (Lights and Shapes) of the Prevention of Collision at Sea Regulations 1983 (external link). The purpose of the reproduction is to explain "graphically'' the requirements of navigation lights on a variety of vessels.

1. A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
   1. in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball; and

   2. at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in sub-paragraph (i), an all-round white light.

2. A vessel of less than 50 metres in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.  
   • View example of anchored vessel 

     

     back to top

3. A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 metres and more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.

4. A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule and in addition, where they can best be seen:
   1. two all-round red lights in a vertical line; and

   2. three balls in a vertical line.
   • View example of a vessel aground 

     

     
     back to top

5. A vessel of less than 7 metres in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule.

6. A vessel of less than 12 metres in length, when aground, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (d) (i) and (ii) of this Rule.