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Navigation Lights
- You are required to display the appropriate lights at night or during times of reduced visibility.
Navigation lights are used to prevent collisions at night or in times of reduced visibility, and are an essential tool in keeping you and your vessel safe. Nav lights allow you to see other nearby vessels, and allow other vessels to see you.
Nav lights also provide information about the size, activity, and direction of travel. By understanding the characteristics of Nav lights, you can determine an appropriate course of action as you approach another vessel.
On any vessel, navigation lights have a specific color, (white, red, green, yellow, blue), arc of illumination, range of visibility, and location, as required by law and regulations. For the purposes of this course, we will concentrate on pleasure boats under 65 feet in length. Knowledge of navigation lights is important to a small-boat skipper for separate, but important, reasons.
- You are legally responsible for displaying lights of the proper color, intensity, location and visibility on your boat.
- Knowing the type and heading of another boat.
Legal Requirements
Vessels are required to show the proper navigation lights from sunset to sunrise in all weather conditions, good and bad. During these times, no other lights that could be mistaken for lights specified in the Rules of the Road can be displayed, nor any lights that impair the visibility or distinctive character of navigation lights, or interfere with the keeping of a proper lookout. The Rules also state that navigation lights must be shown in conditions of reduced visibility, and may be shown at other times considered necessary.
It's Your Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the owner/operator of a vessel that she show the proper navigation lights for her size and the waters in which she is operating. It is not the responsibility of the manufacturer, importer, or selling dealer. Many boats are delivered with lights that do not meet legal requirements with respect to technical characteristics or placement on the vessel. Remember also, that the angles of visibility must be met when the boat is underway-if your boat rides at a significant bow-up angle, take that into consideration when installing and/or checking your lights.
Navigation Lights for Powerboats
Power driven vessels underway shall exhibit a masthead light forward, sidelights and a stern light. Vessels less than 12 meters in length may exhibit an all around white light and side lights. Power driven boats on the Great Lakes may carry an all around white light in stead of a second masthead light and stern light combination.
Sidelights - Colored lights - red on port and green on starboard - showing an unbroken arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees, from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on each side.
Combination lights - Sidelights may be combined in a single fixture carried at the centerline of the vessel.
Stern light - A white light showing over an unbroken arc of the horizon of 135 degrees, centered on dead astern.
Navigation Lights for Sailing
A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters in length shall, if practicable, exhibit regular navigation lights, but if not practical, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
Diving Lights
Another light display that you may see in resort areas, or waters that have wrecks or reefs, is the night diving configuration. This has three vertical masthead lights, that have a red-white-red sequence. You must maintain a good distance from these vessels, and you should also be aware that there may be divers near you.
Interpreting what you see
It's great that you're learning the basics of lights - what is required and when they're required. But, this in only the beginning. You must also learn how to interpret the navigation lights that you see when you are underway at night- and for your safety-learn it well.
For instance, if you see a vessel approaching that shows a light pattern such as the ones to the right, you immediately know that you are in a crossing situation, and that you must yield to the other vessel - that's why it is red.
Seeing a green light over a white light indicates a fishing vessel actively trawling. You not only need to avoid the vessel, but you also need to remember that it could potentially have a very large net deployed that you will also need to avoid.
And there are numerous other lights and combinations of lights that you must be able to instantly recognize - the lights for a sailboat that is privileged over a motorboat, the special lights of various fishing vessels, a dredge or a vessel not under command. Study the requirements for navigation from the viewpoint of a "looker" as well as a boat owner.
- Multihull Sailor
- Real Estate
- Maintenance & Hardware
- Water Sports
Boat Lights at Night: A Guide to Safe Sailing in the Dark
- 1 Safety Considerations
- 2 Necessary Lights for Boating at Night
- 3 Understanding the Importance of Visibility
- 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- 5 Conclusion
The summer months of the year bring hours of sunshine, giving boaters plenty of time to explore during the day. When the sun sets, safety becomes a priority for anyone operating a boat in the dark. It’s crucial to know which boat lights must be on and how to stay visible and safe while sailing at night.
We’ll provide all the essential information you need to make sailing at night a safer and more enjoyable experience. You’ll get an overview of the different types of boat lights available and tips for staying safe and visible while sailing in the dark.
Safety Considerations
Safety should always be the top priority of any sailor, regardless of the time of day. When boating at night, you must know the rules and regulations in your designated area and familiarize yourself with the navigation equipment on most vessels. Understanding these regulations and investing in additional equipment can make a big difference in ensuring a safe voyage.
It is essential to understand the local laws and regulations regarding boating at night and what lighting you need for each vessel. Boat operators should also be aware of their speed limits, acceptable waterway passage areas, and any potentially hazardous areas they should avoid.
In addition to staying knowledgeable about local regulations, your navigation equipment should be up-to-date and functioning appropriately. Marine vessels typically come equipped with depth sounders and radar systems, but investing in additional accessories can further increase visibility during nighttime sailing. This equipment can include GPS chart plotters or portable AIS receivers, which can help navigate safer routes and alert boat operators of nearby vessels.
Necessary Lights for Boating at Night
Depending on illuminated waters after dark, boat light illumination is necessary for all recreational vessels. Boats must display three main types of lights, including bow, stern, and riding lights.
The bow light indicates to other boats where your vessel’s direction is facing, appearing as a green light on the starboard side and red on the port side when looking forward from the rear. It is important to note that this light should only be visible from directly ahead or nearly directly ahead of the vessel itself. It must have a wide enough angle range for optimal visibility while ensuring it is not too bright or blinding for other boats passing by.
The stern light works similarly to a bow light, except it shines from the back end of a vessel, making it easier for oncoming boats to identify your direction. Per maritime law, this light should also appear white but visible from behind only, ensuring no unnecessary glare toward other boats or obstructions ahead.
Riding lights, or masthead lights, provide additional visibility for your vessel. These lights indicate the vessel’s length according to measurements determined by maritime law enforcement officers. This type of light usually appears as white but occasionally has a blue tint depending on individual regulation standards in your area.
Understanding the Importance of Visibility
When selecting boat lights, it’s crucial to consider their wattage output or bulb type to ensure optimal visibility in dark environments.
Colored boat lights are often found on vessels and can come in white, blue, or red colors, each serving a specific purpose based on the laws at sea. White lights generally have a stronger output compared to other colors. Blue lights are more effective underwater, and red lights can mark specific areas within narrow channels, among other uses.
In addition to colored boat lights, reflective materials like tape can upgrade the common areas on ships, such as rails or posts. These materials help draw attention to the vessel’s proximity to other nearby ships and enhance safety.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Proper maintenance of boat light systems is crucial to keep operating costs low, especially when dealing with high-wattage fixtures commonly found in the marine environment. Regularly maintaining these systems throughout their lifespan is essential.
One critical maintenance aspect is storing boat lights properly during off-season storage periods. It is crucial to ensure that each unit remains dry. This storage is necessary to preserve their longevity and ensure their functionality when powered back on. Moisture buildup can lead to short circuits, malfunctions, and damage to the light’s components.
You should follow basic troubleshooting methods as part of routine maintenance. This maintenance includes cleaning off any corrosion and regularly checking bulb connections. These steps should become a natural course for anyone embarking on nighttime sailings or exploring uncharted territories.
Proper illumination is crucial for safe and legal boating at night. All boats need to have adequate lighting regardless of their size and capabilities. Following maritime laws and regulations related to navigational requirements and using the correct boat light format enhances safety for everyone on maritime travels. The mastery of navigation skills and adherence to these standards will continue to uphold the honor and legacy of future generations.
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Sail magazine review team.
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