Pilot vessels on duty

Lights at night

A white signal light over a red.

If the vessel is making speed through the water: sidelights and a sternlight.

Daytime signals

The “Pilot flag”.

Restricted visibility

1 long signal followed by 4 short signals, at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Note that a pilot vessel not on duty must act and signal as an ordinary motor-driven vessel.

Anchored or grounded vessels over 50 m

Lights at night

1 all-round white light at the stern and at a lower level than the above: 1 all-round white light.

Grounded vessel shall exhibit in addition: the “not under command” 2 red signal lights.

Daytime signals

1 ball.

A grounded vessel shall exhibit in addition: 3 balls in a vertical line.

Restricted visibility

Every minute for a period of 5 seconds, the bell must be rung rapidly from the forepart of the vessel.

A grounded vessel shall sound in addition: 3 separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell.

Anchored or grounded vessels over 100 m

Lights at night

1 all-round white light at the stern and at a lower level than the above: 1 all-round white light and all available deck lights.

Grounded vessel shall exhibit in addition: the “not under command” 2 red signal lights.

Daytime signals

1 ball.

A grounded vessel shall exhibit in addition: 3 balls in a vertical line.

Restricted visibility

Every minute for a period of 5 seconds, the bell must be rung rapidly from the forepart of the vessel.

A grounded vessel shall sound in addition: 3 separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell.

Warning signals from a vessel at anchor

A vessel at anchor may in addition signal to give warning of her position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel.

One short blast, one prolonged and one short.

The same signals can also be done with the signal light.

Warning signals for vessels in sight of each other

A short signal or a flash means – I am altering course to starboard.

2 short signals or 2 flashes mean – I am altering course to port.

3 short signals or 3 flashes mean – I am operating astern propulsion.

Warning signals when in sight in a narrow channel or fairway

2 long signals followed by a short signal from a vessel behind another means – My intention is to overtake you on your starboard side.

2 long signals followed by 2 short mean – My intention is to overtake you on your port side.

The vessel that is ahead of the signaling vessel answers with, a long signal followed by short, a long and a short signal for approval, or 5 short signals or more for showing doubt to such action.

Signals to attract attention

When a vessel would like to attract the attention of another vessel it can give sound or light signals that cannot be mistaken for any other signals described in the “Rule of the road”.

5. Guess what vessel should exhibit such signals:

1. 1 cylinder as daytime signal - ____________________________________________

2. 2 long signals followed by 2 short - _______________________________________

3. 2 short blasts - ________________________________________________________

4. 2 balls in a vertical line - _______________________________________________

5. 3 short blasts - ________________________________________________________

6. 1 ball, 1 diamond shape, 1 ball in a vertical line - ____________________________

7. 2 long signals followed by 1 short signal - __________________________________

8. 3 balls in a vertical line - _______________________________________________

9. 1 short blast - ________________________________________________________

10. one short blast, one prolonged and one short - _______________________________