U.S. Code > Title 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters > CHAPTER 34—INLAND NAVIGATIONAL RULES (§§ 2001—2073) > SUBCHAPTER I—RULES (§§ 2001—2038) > Part C—Lights and Shapes (§§ 2020—2031) > § 2030. Anchored vessels and vessels aground (Rule 30)

§ 2030. Anchored vessels and vessels aground (Rule 30)

(a) Vessels at anchor
A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
(i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball; and
(ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), an all-round white light.
(b) Vessels of less than 50 meters in length; alternative light
A vessel of less than 50 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.
(c) Illumination of decks
A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 meters or more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.
(d) Vessels aground
A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule and in addition, if practicable, where they can best be seen:
(i) two all-round red lights in a vertical line; and
(ii) three balls in a vertical line.
(e) Vessels of less than 7 meters in length when at anchor
A vessel of less than 7 meters in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway, anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule.
(f) Vessels of less than 12 meters in length when aground
A vessel of less than 12 meters in length when aground shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in subparagraphs (d)(i) and (ii) of this Rule.
(g) Vessels of less than 20 meters in length while at anchor in special anchorage
A vessel of less than 20 meters in length, when at anchor in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary, shall not be required to exhibit the anchor lights and shapes required by this Rule.