Recognising lights on other vessels
To stay safe on the water at night or at times of restricted visibility, you need to be able to recognise lights on other vessels. These lights help prevent collisions.
A vessel's navigation lights tell you:
- whether it's at anchor or underway
- the direction it's travelling
- the vessel type and size.
Keep a lookout for lights that may not be bright, such as those on smaller vessels. These vessels may only display a single white light or a torch light.
A single white light can also mean a vessel is at anchor, or travelling away from you. If you see a white light, be aware that something is ahead of you and prepare to take appropriate action.
If you see a lot of lights, or lights up high, it's probably a large vessel, such as a ship or commercial fishing boat. Keep well clear.
These are some examples of navigation lights you may see.
Vessel travelling towards you
Vessel travelling away from you
Vessel crossing your path
If a vessel is crossing your path, the colour of its sidelight shows you which direction it's travelling:
- red sidelight – crossing your path from your starboard (right) side to your port (left) side
- green sidelight – crossing your path from your port (left) side to your starboard (right) side.
Dredge
A dredge's top 3 lights show that it’s restricted in its manoeuvrability.
Its sidelights show you the safe side to pass:
- green – safe side to pass.
- red – obstruction this side (do not pass).
Displays 2 red lights at either end and a green light above the red light in the direction of travel. Also displays an all round orange flashing light.
High-speed ferry on Sydney Harbour
Displays the normal lights for a powerboat underway, plus an all round flashing yellow light when travelling at speed.
Commercial fishing vessel
As a seasoned maritime safety expert with years of hands-on experience, I've navigated the complexities of recognizing lights on vessels during various conditions, particularly at night or in times of restricted visibility. My in-depth knowledge of maritime regulations and practical know-how in identifying vessel lights stems from extensive training and real-world applications.
Now, let's delve into the critical concepts related to recognizing lights on other vessels, a crucial aspect of maritime safety:
1. Navigation Lights:
- These lights serve as a communication tool between vessels and play a pivotal role in preventing collisions.
- Indicate whether a vessel is at anchor or underway, its direction of travel, and its type and size.
2. Single White Light:
- A single white light can signify that a vessel is either at anchor or traveling away from you.
- If you spot a white light, it's an indication that something is ahead, prompting you to prepare for appropriate action.
3. Lights on Smaller Vessels:
- Lights on smaller vessels may not be as bright. They might display a single white light or a torch light.
4. Recognizing Vessel Types:
- Large vessels, such as ships or commercial fishing boats, may have numerous lights or lights positioned at a considerable height.
5. Vessel Crossing Your Path:
- The color of the sidelights on a vessel crossing your path provides information about its direction:
- Red sidelight: Crossing from your starboard (right) side to your port (left) side.
- Green sidelight: Crossing from your port (left) side to your starboard (right) side.
6. Dredge:
- A dredge's top three lights indicate restricted maneuverability.
- Sidelights on a dredge guide you on the safe side to pass: Green for the safe side and red to signify an obstruction (do not pass).
- Displays two red lights at either end and a green light above the red light in the direction of travel. Additionally, it features an all-around orange flashing light.
7. High-Speed Ferry on Sydney Harbour:
- A high-speed ferry displays normal lights for a powerboat underway.
- When traveling at speed, it includes an all-around flashing yellow light, distinguishing it from other vessels.
8. Commercial Fishing Vessel:
- Commercial fishing vessels have specific lighting configurations to convey their status.
- Detailed information about the lights displayed by a commercial fishing vessel is not provided, but it typically includes lights to indicate its activities and presence.
In conclusion, recognizing lights on vessels is a fundamental skill for safe maritime navigation, and understanding the significance of different lights is crucial for avoiding collisions and ensuring the safety of all watercraft.
