IALACOLREG
30

Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground

Anchored vessels show an all-round white light forward and another aft (lower). Vessels aground additionally show two red all-round lights.

Rule 30 prescribes lights for anchored vessels and vessels aground.

a
A vessel at anchor shall exhibit: in the fore part, an all-round white light; at or near the stern and at a lower level, another all-round white light. Vessels under 50m may show a single all-round white light.
b
A vessel of 100m+ at anchor shall also illuminate her decks.
d
A vessel aground shall exhibit the anchor lights plus two all-round red lights in a vertical line. Day shape: three balls in a vertical line.

Key Takeaways

1

Anchored: white light forward, lower white light aft

2

Vessels under 50m may use a single all-round white light

3

Aground: anchor lights PLUS two red all-round lights

4

Aground day shape: three balls vertically

Common Mistakes

Not realizing vessels aground show anchor lights PLUS red lights

Forgetting to illuminate decks on vessels 100m+ at anchor

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