What are the rules for navigation signal light on boats?
The rules for ships’ navigation signal lights are set by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). All ships must display appropriate navigation signal lights between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of restricted visibility, such as fog. These lights are used to indicate the ship’s position, course and status to prevent collisions.
What side do the navigation signal light go on a boat?
The location of navigation signal lights is determined by international regulations. A red light should be displayed on the port side of the ship and a green light should be displayed on the starboard side. A white light should be displayed on the stern. For powered vessels, a white light is also required on the masthead.
Determining factors
The navigation signal light that needs to be displayed depends on several factors:
- The length of the vessel: Different lengths of vessels require different lighting configurations.
- The power of the vessel: Powered and sailing vessels have different lighting requirements.
- The area of navigation: Regulations may differ between inland waters and international waters.
- The status of the vessel: such as underway, at anchor, or towing, etc.
When should it be turned on and displayed?
The navigation signal light should be switched on and displayed in the following situations:
- During the period from sunset to sunrise.
- In conditions of limited visibility, such as fog, rain or at night.
- When the vessel is underway or at anchor.
What are the rules for navigation signal light?
Powered vessels
- Powered vessels less than 12 meters in length are required to display an all-round white light visible 360 degrees and a pair of red and green sidelights.
- Powered vessels greater than 12 meters but less than 20 meters in length are required to display a masthead light visible 225 degrees, a stern light visible 135 degrees and a pair of red and green sidelights.
Sailboats
- Sailboats less than 7 meters in length may display white light using a flashlight or lantern.
- Sailboats greater than 7 meters in length but less than 20 meters in length may display a combination light (red and green sidelights and sternlight) at the masthead.
- Sailboats greater than 20 meters in length are required to display red and green sidelights and sternlights and may display two all-round lights at the masthead (red light on top, green light on the bottom).
Anchored vessels
- All anchored vessels must display an all-round white light visible 360 degrees.
Special purpose vessels
- Towed vessels are required to display an amber light at the stern.
- Vessels of limited maneuvering capability are required to display three all-round lights (red-white-red) arranged vertically.
- An out-of-control vessel is required to display two full-view red lights arranged vertically.
