Fishing Vessels (Rule 26)

Note: When there is outlying gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel, an all-round white light or a cone apex upwards in the direction of the gear.
Vessel Engaged in Fishing other than Trawling - not making way.

Note: When there is outlying gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel, an all-round white light or a cone apex upwards in the direction of the gear.
Vessel Engaged in Fishing other than Trawling - making way.

Vessel Engaged in Trawling - making way.

Vessel Engaged in Trawling - making way, vessel less than 50 meters in length.

Vessel Engaged in Trawling - not making way, vessel less than 50 meters in length.

Vessel Engaged in Trawling - not making way.

A fishing vessel is defined as one engaged in fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other gear that restricts her ability to maneuver. It does not include sport-fishing boats with trolling lines, which are not considered to pose any such restriction.

Note: that a distinction is made between trawling and other kinds of fishing, with different special lights but the same dayshape. Underway but not making way through the water, or at anchor, only these special lights are shown. If making way, these lights plus sidelights and a sternlight must be shown (if 50 meters or longer, a second higher masthead light is required aft). Also that a basket is no longer authorized in the International Rules as a dayshape for smaller fishing vessels.

A "fishing vessel" when not engaged in fishing must show the normal lights for a vessel of her size; she must not display the special fishing lights.
In October, 1996, Inland Rules 26(b)(i), (c)(i), and (d) were changed. The first two changes deleted the alternative basket dayshape. The third change brought the Inland Rules into parallel wording with the International Rules.