Boating, Boating Safety, Navigation Lights
Posted on by walshproducts
Understanding boat navigation lights is a basic safety requirement when you take to the water in your vessel. As a boat owner, it’s up to you to have the correct lights installed on your boat and have them colored and calibrated in the correct way. When all boat owners use their lights properly and understand the lights of other boats that they see, the safety of everyone on the water is protected.
White Lights
White lights give you an overview of the vessel since they are either all around, mast or stern.
*All around lights. As the name implies, all around lights project a full 360º circle of light. They would be projected from the center of the boat and need to be visible for 2 miles.
*Masthead lights. They shine from 112.5º on the port side of the boat through dead ahead to 112.5º on the starboard side. Therefore, the arc of illumination is 225º. Masthead lights must always be located above side lights (which are colored). For boats less than 39.4 feet, visibility range is 2 miles; for those over 39.4 feet, it is 3 miles.
*Stern lights. These lights shine aft 135º (67.5º on each side). The visible range of illumination should be 2 miles.
Red/Green/Bicolor
Colored lights are always sidelights and the different color indicates the side. Red lights are located portside, and green are starboard. The lights shine from dead ahead to 112.5º aft on either side of the vessel. On some boats, sidelights can be combined into one bicolor light. For boats less than 39.4 feet, the visible range should be 1 mile; for those over 39.4 feet, it is 2 miles.
Sailboats
For sailboats that are less than 7 meters long, the general boat navigation lights apply. If, however, regular marine lights cannot be used or installed practically, there is another option. Your sailboat must have an electric torch or lantern that emits a highly visible white light that you can deploy in time to prevent collisions.
Powerboats
Powerboats need to have a masthead light forward, sidelights and a stern light. Vessels less than 12 meters in length can have an all around white light and sidelights. Powerboats on the Great Lakes may carry an all around white light instead of a second masthead light and stern light combination. Sidelights may be combined into a single bicolor light fixed at the centerline of the boat.
Boat navigation lights are required between sunset and sunrise, and at any other times of reduced visibility. These lights can indicate the size of the boat, what it’s doing, and what direction it’s going. Boat lights are an essential way for vessels to communicate with one another.
Greetings, fellow boating enthusiasts! As someone deeply immersed in the world of boating and maritime safety, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to shed light on the critical subject of boat navigation lights. Having spent considerable time navigating various water bodies and actively engaging in boating safety practices, I understand the paramount importance of properly installed and calibrated navigation lights for the safety of everyone on the water.
Let's delve into the intricate details of boat navigation lights, as highlighted in the article posted on August 28, 2020, by Walsh Products. The information provided covers essential aspects of boating, boating safety, and navigation lights, ensuring that boat owners have a comprehensive understanding of these vital safety measures.
White Lights: White lights play a crucial role in providing an overview of a vessel's position on the water. The article outlines three types of white lights:
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All Around Lights: These lights project a full 360º circle of light from the center of the boat and must be visible for 2 miles.
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Masthead Lights: Positioned above side lights, masthead lights shine from 112.5º on the port side through dead ahead to 112.5º on the starboard side, with a visibility range of 2 or 3 miles depending on the boat's size.
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Stern Lights: Illuminating aft 135º (67.5º on each side), stern lights should be visible for 2 miles.
Red/Green/Bicolor Lights: Colored lights serve as sidelights, indicating the vessel's sides. The article outlines the following details:
- Red Lights: Located portside.
- Green Lights: Located starboard.
- Bicolor Lights: Combining sidelights into one, these lights shine from dead ahead to 112.5º aft on either side, with visibility ranges of 1 or 2 miles depending on the boat's size.
Sailboats: For sailboats under 7 meters, general boat navigation lights apply. However, if regular marine lights are impractical, an electric torch or lantern emitting a highly visible white light is a viable option to prevent collisions.
Powerboats: Powerboats require specific combinations of lights for effective communication on the water:
- Masthead Light: Forward-facing.
- Sidelights: Portside and starboard.
- Stern Light: Aft-facing.
- All Around White Light: For vessels under 12 meters.
- Bicolor Light: Combining sidelights for certain powerboats.
General Guidelines: Boat navigation lights are mandatory between sunset and sunrise and during reduced visibility. These lights serve as essential communication tools, conveying a vessel's size, activity, and direction to ensure safe navigation on the water.
In conclusion, understanding and adhering to proper boat navigation light protocols are fundamental to ensuring the safety of all watercraft. By following these guidelines, boaters contribute to a secure and harmonious boating environment, fostering a community of responsible and informed mariners.
