What navigation lights must a vessel exhibit while drifting off a port awaiting a pilot?

When a vessel is drifting off a port awaiting a pilot, it is considered to be in a state similar to that of being underway, even if it is not actively moving through the water. According to the COLREGs, a power-driven vessel that is not anchored must exhibit the navigation lights appropriate for a vessel that is underway. Therefore, the correct answer regarding the lights a vessel must display while drifting is that it must show the lights for a power-driven vessel underway.

This means the vessel should display the sidelights and a sternlight, which help other vessels to identify its position and status. Under COLREGs Rule 22, it is specified that vessels underway must carry these lights in order for safe navigation and to avoid collisions. Adhering to this requirement is critical for maintaining safety, particularly in busy waterways where visibility may be affected by other vessels or environmental factors.

In contrast, turning off all navigation lights or having no lights when stopped is not appropriate for a vessel awaiting a pilot because it might create a risk of collision in an area where other vessels are active. While anchor lights are necessary for a vessel that is anchored securely, they do not apply in this case, as drifting close to a port indicates readiness to maneuver rather than being