What lights must a vessel engaged in fishing at anchor display?

When a vessel is engaged in fishing at anchor, it must display the lights prescribed in Rule 26 of the COLREGs. Rule 26 outlines the requirements for fishing vessels and indicates that these vessels shall exhibit two all-round lights in a vertical line, with the upper light being white and the lower light being green. This is essential for indicating their activity to other mariners.

While Rule 30 deals with anchored vessels generally and prescribes that they should exhibit an anchor light, it is specifically intended for vessels that are not engaged in fishing. Therefore, a fishing vessel at anchor must adhere to Rule 26, which takes precedence due to its specific requirements for fishing operations.

The option stating that a vessel at anchor should display both Rule 26 and Rule 30 lights is unnecessary since only the lights associated with fishing operations are required when a fishing vessel is at anchor. Thus, it is crucial for vessels engaged in fishing to follow these specific guidelines set forth in Rule 26 to ensure they are properly identified on the water, promoting safety and awareness among all vessels.