Rule 29 - Pilot vessels

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.

a.  A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit:

1. at or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being white and the lower red;
2. when underway, in addition, sidelights and a stemlight; and
3. when at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in sub-paragraph (i), the light, lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30 for vessels at anchor.

b.  A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed for a similar vessel of her length.

Example of a pilot vessel

General notes

• Masthead light - not illuminated when all-round pilot lights are on.
• Two all-round lights - White above Red.
• Vessels > 20 m - lights 2 metres apart, lowest > 4 metres above the hull.
• Vessels < 20 m - lights 1 metre apart, lowest > 2 metres above the gunwale.

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