Rule 30
Anchored Vessels and Vessels aground
A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
- in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball;
- at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in sub-paragraph (i), an all-round white light
- 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.
- 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.
A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule and in addition, where they can best be seen:
- two all-round red lights in a vertical line;
- three balls in a vertical line.
- 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 shape prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b) of this Rule.
- 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.
This rule applies to ships that are at anchor or aground. When a ship is at anchor, it must display one all-round white light at the fore part (front) and at a lower level, one more all-round white light at or near the stern (back). This arrangement ensures the vessel is easily recognizable as being anchored, especially at night.
Rule 30 - Anchored Vessels and Vessels aground
A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
- in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball;
- at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in sub-paragraph (i), an all-round white light
Figure 1.Anchored vessel displaying anchor lights.
For smaller vessels under 50 meters in length, only a single all-round white light is required, positioned where it is most visible.
Rule 30 - Anchored Vessels and Vessels aground
- 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.
Figure 2.Anchored vessel of less than 50 metres in length.
For vessels 100 meters or more in length, the use of deck lights is required. These lights must be turned on to illuminate her decks and clearly show the vessel’s full size and layout. This is especially important for larger ships, as their size makes them a significant obstruction at sea, and additional visual precautions helps other vessels navigate safely around them.
For smaller vessels less than 100 meters, deck lights is not required but may use working lights or similar lighting to illuminate her decks. This is particularly helpful in busy waterways or during poor visibility conditions. These lights make the vessel more noticeable and help other ships identify its size and position.
Rule 30 - Anchored Vessels and Vessels aground
- 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.
Figure 3.Anchored vessel of 100 metres and more in length with decks illuminated
A vessel aground must exhibit the same lights as a vessel at anchor, and in addition, two all-round red lights arranged in a vertical line where they are most visible. These red lights indicate that the vessel is not just anchored but also stuck and unable to maneuver. And in the daytime, three black balls in a vertical line, placed where they can best be seen.
Rule 30 - Anchored Vessels and Vessels aground
A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule and in addition, where they can best be seen:
- two all-round red lights in a vertical line;
- three balls in a vertical line.
Figure 4.A vessel aground displaying two all-round red lights in a vertical line