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COLREGs · Rule 28

Vessels Constrained by Their Draft

A power-driven vessel constrained by her draft may exhibit three all-round red lights in a vertical line, or by day a cylinder.

Source: COLREGs Rule 28Last verified 2026-05-16

Rule text#

COLREGs Rule 28 has no counterpart in the U.S. Inland Navigation Rules, and the international text is published by the IMO rather than in the public-domain federal corpus — so the verbatim wording cannot be reproduced here. The summary above states what the rule requires; the IMO publication is authoritative.

Where Inland differs#

There is no Inland Rule 28 — 'Constrained by Draft' is COLREGs-only. Inland numbering jumps from 27 to 29.

Authoritative source#

Source links checked against the current public rule corpus on 2026-05-16.

  • International COLREGs Rule 28 verbatim text is published by the IMO and is authoritative for international waters.

Practice this rule#

One real exam question on this rule, cited to source. No sign-up.

Under the Inland Navigation Rules, which category of vessel is Rule 28 (Vessels Constrained by their Draft) applicable to?

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All COLREGs Rules of the RoadRule 20 — Application (Lights and Shapes)Rule 21 — Definitions (Lights)Rule 22 — Visibility of LightsRule 23 — Power-driven Vessel UnderwayRule 24 — Towing and PushingRule 25 — Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under OarsPractice Rule 23Practice Rule 24Practice Rule 25Practice: Rules of the Road
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COLREGs Rule 28: Vessels Constrained by Their Draft — Captain's Exam Prep · CaptainsGround