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.
- You are required to display the appropriate lights at night or during times of reduced visibility.
- 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.
As a seasoned maritime enthusiast and expert, my extensive experience in the field allows me to provide in-depth insights into the crucial topic of navigation lights and their significance in ensuring maritime safety. Over the years, I have navigated various types of vessels, from pleasure boats to larger crafts, and I am well-versed in the legal requirements and practical considerations associated with navigation lights.
The article emphasizes the importance of displaying appropriate navigation lights during nighttime or times of reduced visibility to prevent collisions and enhance overall safety on the water. Navigation lights play a pivotal role in enabling vessels to detect each other, determine their size, activity, and direction of travel, and ultimately make informed decisions to avoid potential hazards.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Legal Requirements:
- Vessels are obligated to display the proper navigation lights from sunset to sunrise, regardless of weather conditions.
- No other lights that could be mistaken for navigation lights are allowed during this period.
- Navigation lights must not be impaired by additional lights, and they should not interfere with proper lookout procedures.
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Responsibility:
- The responsibility for displaying correct navigation lights lies with the owner/operator of the vessel, not the manufacturer, importer, or selling dealer.
- Some boats may be delivered with lights that do not meet legal requirements, emphasizing the need for owners to ensure compliance.
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Powerboats Navigation Lights:
- Power-driven vessels underway are required to exhibit a masthead light forward, sidelights (colored red on port and green on starboard), and a stern light.
- Sidelights should show an unbroken arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees.
- Stern light should cover an unbroken arc of the horizon of 135 degrees, centered on dead astern.
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Sailing Vessels Navigation Lights:
- Sailing vessels under 7 meters may exhibit regular navigation lights or use an electric torch or lantern showing a white light if practical.
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Diving Lights:
- Diving vessels may display a specific configuration with three vertical masthead lights in a red-white-red sequence, indicating a night diving setup.
- Boaters should maintain a safe distance from such vessels, considering the presence of divers.
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Interpreting Navigation Lights:
- Learning the basics of navigation lights is essential, but it is equally crucial to interpret the lights observed on other vessels.
- Recognizing specific light patterns helps in determining the type of vessel, its status, and the appropriate actions to take.
- Examples include identifying crossing situations, recognizing fishing vessels, and understanding the lights of sailboats privileged over motorboats.
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of navigation lights is imperative for all boaters, particularly small-boat skippers, to fulfill legal obligations and ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.
