Rule 29 — Pilot Vessel Lights | SkipperCheck
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COLREG / ARPA / AIS Bridge Rule 29(a) 🔒 Course / Premium

Rule 29 — Pilot Vessel Lights

NIGHT. You observe a vessel showing at or near her masthead two all-round lights in a vertical line: WHITE OVER RED.

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This scenario is part of the full library. Unlock all 54 COLREG scenarios with the Skipper Refresher Course (€99.99, lifetime + certificate) or a Premium subscription (from €29.99/mo).
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Scenario briefing

NIGHT. You observe a vessel showing at or near her masthead two all-round lights in a vertical line: WHITE OVER RED. She also shows sidelights and a sternlight while making way. What is she?

Applicable COLREG rule(s)

Rule 29(a) — referenced in this scenario. Practising this scenario reinforces correct application under realistic time pressure.

Why it matters

COLREG knowledge is the foundation of safe ship handling. Most maritime collisions happen because watchkeepers either misidentified the situation, applied the wrong rule, or acted too late. This scenario lets you train pattern recognition + correct response under time pressure — the exact skill the rules are designed to support. RYA, Yachtmaster, STCW and most national exams expect you to apply COLREGs reflexively, not just recite them.

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