Rule 29
Pilot Vessels
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 red;
- when underway, in addition, sidelight and a sternlight;
- when at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in subparagraph (i), the light, lights or shape prescribed in Role 30 for vessels at anchor.
- A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed for a similar vessel of her length.
Pilot vessels are specialized ships used to transport marine pilots to and from larger vessels requiring pilotage services. A pilot is highly skilled mariner with in-depth knowledge of local waters. They play a vital role in guiding ships safely through challenging areas. Pilot boats are essential for the safe and efficient transfer of pilots to and from ships
When a vessel is engaged in pilotage duty, it must display two all-round lights, one above the other. The top light is white, and the bottom light is red. In addition, when underway, it must also display the standard navigation lights for any vessel underway.
Rule 29 - Pilot Vessels (a)(iii)
- when at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in subparagraph (i), the light, lights or shape prescribed in Role 30 for vessels at anchor.
Animation 1.Pilot vessel underway & engaged on pilotage duty
When a pilot vessel is anchored, it must comply with the lighting requirements specified in Rule 30 of the COLREGs, which apply to all anchored vessels.
Rule 29 - Pilot Vessels (a)(iii)
- when at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in subparagraph (i), the light, lights or shape prescribed in Role 30 for vessels at anchor.
Animation 2.Pilot vessel at anchor & engaged on pilotage duty
When a pilot vessel is not actively involved on pilotage duty, it must conform to the same regulations that apply to any other vessel of its size and type. This means that if the pilot vessel is underway, it must display the standard navigation lights. If the vessel is anchored, it must show the anchor lights and shapes required for any vessel at anchor.
Rule 29 - Pilot Vessels (b)
- A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed for a similar vessel of her length.
Animation 3.Pilot vessel underway & NOT engaged on pilotage duty