Pilot Vessels.
(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 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.
The easiest way to remember these lights and not confuse them with vessels engaged in fishing, is that when a Pilot comes up the ladder, you see first his white hat (the white all round light) followed by his red nose (the red all round light).
These lights are identification lights only and are thus, not informing about a priority status, but a Pilot Vessel is the only class of vessel that displays its identification lights, whilst alongside.
Audio file:
You must be logged in to post a comment.