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29

Pilot Vessels

Identification detail. A vessel on pilotage duty shows white over red all-round lights. When underway, it also shows sidelights and a sternlight. At anchor, it adds the applicable anchor light(s). The applicable anchor day shape is also required.

Rule 29 covers lights for pilot vessels.

a
A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit: at or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being white and the lower being red; when underway, sidelights and a sternlight; when at anchor, in addition to the white-over-red lights, 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.

IMO COLREG 1972Official text

Full wording of the rule, reproduced from the official source below.

(a) A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit: (i) at or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being white and the lower red; (ii) when underway, in addition, sidelights and a sternlight; (iii) when at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in subparagraph (i), the anchor 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.
Source:

An interactive 3D illustration is shown here. The same content is described in the rule text and key takeaways below.

Recognition Sequence

Classify the vessel state first: underway, making way, stopped, at anchor, aground, towing, fishing, pilotage or special condition.

Read special lights vertically from top to bottom before using sidelights and sternlight to confirm aspect.

Use the complete display and any vessel length stated in the scenario.

Optional second masthead lights, two anchor lights or deck illumination do not by themselves prove a minimum vessel length.

Exam Focus

Avoid identifying a vessel from one colour alone.

Many mistakes come from spotting a red light and guessing before checking the full pattern.

If the question mentions 'making way', 'underway but stopped', 'at anchor' or 'aground', that wording usually determines which extra lights or shapes appear.

Key Takeaways

1

White over red all-round lights at masthead when on duty

2

Normal navigation lights (sidelights, sternlight) when underway

3

Rule 30 anchor lights or day shape, in addition to the pilot lights, when at anchor

4

Shows regular lights when not on pilotage duty

Common Mistakes

Confusing pilot vessel lights with other special vessel lights

Test Your Knowledge

Practise this topic and review the explanation for each answer.

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Frequently asked questions about COLREG Rule 29

What lights does a pilot vessel on pilotage duty show?

Two all-round lights in a vertical line at or near the masthead, the upper white and the lower red (Rule 29(a)). When underway she adds sidelights and a sternlight, and when at anchor she shows the anchor lights prescribed in Rule 30.

What does white over red at the masthead mean?

A vessel engaged on pilotage duty. Rule 29(a) prescribes two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper white and the lower red, at or near the masthead.

What lights does a pilot vessel show when not on pilotage duty?

The lights or shapes prescribed for a similar vessel of her length (Rule 29(b)). The white-over-red signal belongs only to a vessel actually engaged on pilotage duty.