When must a pilot boat exhibit a masthead light?

A pilot boat is not required to exhibit a masthead light while on pilotage duty. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), specific lighting requirements apply to different types of vessels based on their operations and status. Pilot boats, when fulfilling their duties of assisting other vessels by providing pilots, must display the appropriate lights that indicate their purpose, which typically includes side lights and an all-round white light. However, the masthead light is not part of this requirement, distinguishing pilot boats from other vessels that do need to display a masthead light.

Understanding the roles and responsibilities of pilot boats helps clarify why they don’t need a masthead light specifically when they are engaged in pilotage, and instead they focus on their signature lighting configurations that indicate their unique operational status.