A Guide to Day and Night Signals for Different Types of Vessels
Rajesh Kumar (Engine Cadet - Wiper)
Currently Onboard and Gaining Experience - Seeking Future Opportunities as a Engine Cadet (Wiper) to Advance My Maritime Career Post Sign-Off
In maritime operations, effective communication between vessels is essential to ensure safety and avoid collisions. One of the most critical aspects of communication at sea involves the day and night signals that ships display. These signals, outlined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), help vessels understand each other's status, intentions, and restrictions.
This guide provides an overview of the day and night signals used by different types of vessels.
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1. Power-Driven Vessels Underway
- Day Signal: No special day signal required.
- Night Signal:
- Masthead light (white)
- Sidelights (red and green)
- Stern light (white)
2. Sailing Vessels Underway
- Day Signal: No special day signal.
- Night Signal:
- Sidelights (red and green)
- Stern light (white)
3. Vessels at Anchor
- Day Signal: A black ball in the forward part of the vessel.
- Night Signal:
- One all-round white light (for vessels <50m)
- Two all-round white lights (for vessels ≥50m, at the bow and stern)
4. Vessels Not Under Command (NUC)
- Day Signal: Two black balls in a vertical line.
- Night Signal:
- Two all-round red lights in a vertical line.
5. Vessels Restricted in Their Ability to Manoeuvre (RAM)
- Day Signal: Three shapes in a vertical line: ball (top), diamond (middle), ball (bottom).
- Night Signal:
- Red over white over red all-round lights in a vertical line.
- Appropriate lights for vessel’s current operation (e.g., towing, anchoring).
6. Vessels Constrained by Their Draft
- Day Signal: A black cylinder.
- Night Signal:
- Three all-round red lights in a vertical line.
- Lights for a power-driven vessel underway.
7. Fishing Vessels (Trawling)
- Day Signal: Two black cones with apexes together (hourglass shape).
- Night Signal:
- Green light over white light (when engaged in trawling).
- Sidelights and stern light when underway.
8. Fishing Vessels (Not Trawling)
- Day Signal: Two black cones apexes together.
- Night Signal:
- Red light over white light (when engaged in fishing).
- Sidelights and stern light when underway.
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9. Vessels Engaged in Towing
- Day Signal: No special day signal, but if restricted, display RAM signals.
- Night Signal:
- Two white masthead lights for a tow under 200m.
- Three white masthead lights for a tow over 200m.
- Sidelights and stern light.
- Yellow towing light above the stern light.
10. Vessels Engaged in Pushing
- Day Signal: No special day signal.
- Night Signal:
- Two white masthead lights in a vertical line.
- Sidelights (red and green).
- Two yellow lights in a vertical line at the stern.
11. Pilot Vessels
- Day Signal: Pilot flag (white flag with red horizontal stripe).
- Night Signal:
- White over red all-round lights.
- Sidelights and stern light when underway.
12. Vessels Engaged in Dredging or Underwater Operations
- Day Signal:
- Three shapes in a vertical line: ball (top), diamond (middle), ball (bottom).
- Two black balls on obstructed side, two black diamonds on clear side.
- Night Signal:
- Red, white, red all-round lights in a vertical line.
- Two red lights on obstructed side, two green lights on clear side.
13. Vessels Aground
- Day Signal: Three black balls in a vertical line.
- Night Signal:
- Two all-round red lights in a vertical line.
- Anchor light (white light).
14. Vessels Engaged in Mine Clearance Operations
- Day Signal: Three black balls in a vertical line.
- Night Signal: Three all-round green lights in a triangle, plus normal navigation lights.
15. Vessels Engaged in Diving Operations
- Day Signal: International Code of Signals flag "A" (blue and white indicating "diver down").
- Night Signal: RAM lights (red, white, red all-round lights in a vertical line).
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These signals are an essential part of ensuring safe navigation at sea. By clearly communicating a vessel’s status, intentions, and restrictions, these signals help prevent collisions and ensure smooth maritime operations.
Understanding and using these signals properly is crucial for anyone involved in maritime navigation or operations. Stay safe and always be aware of the vessels around you!
Article post by :-
Name: Wiper Seaman - Rajesh Kumar Email: [email protected] Contact/WhatsApp: +91 7068574359
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