COLREG navigation lights — quick reference

Print landscape A4 (or US Letter) for a laminated bridge card. The page is laid out to fit on one sheet.

• Power-driven vessel underway (≥ 50 m)

  Rule 23(a)
• Power-driven vessel underway (< 50 m)

  Rule 23(a)(i)
• Sailing vessel underway

  Rule 25

  Optional red-over-green at masthead.
• Vessel at anchor (< 50 m)

  Rule 30(a)

  All-round white forward.
• Vessel at anchor (≥ 50 m)

  Rule 30(a)

  All-round white forward, second lower aft.
• Vessel aground

  Rule 30(d)

  At-anchor lights + two red all-round in vertical line.
• Towing (length of tow ≤ 200 m)

  Rule 24(a)

  Yellow towing light above the sternlight.
• Towing (length of tow > 200 m)

  Rule 24(a)
• Fishing (not trawling)

  Rule 26(c)

  Sidelights + sternlight only when making way.
• Trawling

  Rule 26(b)
• Not under command

  Rule 27(a)

  Sidelights + sternlight only when making way.
• Restricted in ability to manoeuvre

  Rule 27(b)
• Constrained by draught

  Rule 28

  Three red all-round in addition to power-driven lights.
• Pilot vessel underway

  Rule 29

Reference only — for regulatory use consult COLREGs Annex I and the relevant national application. Generated by Seafarer Index.