Navigation lights — quick reference
COLREG 1972, Rules 20–31. Diagrams are schematic representations of how the lights stack as seen from astern looking forward — they are a memory aid, not the regulatory positions.
Power-driven vessel underway (≥ 50 m)
Rule 23(a)
Two masthead lights (white) with the second higher and abaft, plus sidelights (green stbd, red port) and sternlight (white).
Power-driven vessel underway (< 50 m)
Rule 23(a)(i)
Single masthead, sidelights, sternlight.
Sailing vessel underway
Rule 25
Sidelights + sternlight. Optional red-over-green at the masthead.
Optional red-over-green at masthead.
Vessel at anchor (< 50 m)
Rule 30(a)
One all-round white light, exhibited where best seen.
All-round white forward.
Vessel at anchor (≥ 50 m)
Rule 30(a)
All-round white forward + a second all-round white aft, lower.
All-round white forward, second lower aft.
Vessel aground
Rule 30(d)
At-anchor lights plus two all-round red in vertical line.
At-anchor lights + two red all-round in vertical line.
Towing (length of tow ≤ 200 m)
Rule 24(a)
Two masthead in vertical line, sidelights, sternlight, plus a yellow towing light above the sternlight.
Yellow towing light above the sternlight.
Towing (length of tow > 200 m)
Rule 24(a)
Three masthead in vertical line, otherwise as for short tow.
Fishing (not trawling)
Rule 26(c)
Red over white all-round in a vertical line. Sidelights + sternlight only when making way.
Sidelights + sternlight only when making way.
Trawling
Rule 26(b)
Green over white all-round in a vertical line. Sidelights + sternlight only when making way.
Not under command
Rule 27(a)
Two all-round red in vertical line. Sidelights + sternlight only when making way through the water.
Sidelights + sternlight only when making way.
Restricted in ability to manoeuvre
Rule 27(b)
Red-white-red all-round in vertical line. Plus the lights for a power-driven vessel when making way.
Constrained by draught
Rule 28
Three all-round red in a vertical line, in addition to lights for a power-driven vessel.
Three red all-round in addition to power-driven lights.
Pilot vessel underway
Rule 29
White over red all-round in vertical line, plus sidelights and sternlight when underway.
Last verified