Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Boat navigation lights are crucial for safe boating, especially during low visibility conditions such as at night, in fog, or heavy rain. Understanding the rules governing navigation lights is essential for all boaters, whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a beginner on the water.
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.
So what are the basic navigation light rules? For most small vessels, motoring requires red and green (port and starboard) lights, and a white light visible in all directions around the boat. This is almost always a stern light and a masthead light on sailboats. Boats under sail require port and starboard lights, and a white stern light.
We’re going to do a deep dive into navigation lights for boat to see what you need on your boat, and when you need to use them. Legal Requirements; Types of Navigational Lights; Which Navigation Lights are Required on My Boat? Operators Responsibility Navigation Lights
Navigation light requirements vary depending on a few key factors. The graphic below gives a visual overview of boat light rules and we'll walk through specific light regulations as well. The basic rule is that side lights, a masthead light and a stern light are required. Permissible variations to this rule appear below.
In general, all navigation light systems include red and green sidelights, which indicate the port and starboard side of your boat, as well as one or more white lights. It's also important that you have a flashlight on board, as you never know when a navigation light might burn out.
Boat navigation lights are an integral part of any water vessel for the safety of those in your boat and others out on the water. The right lights will prevent collisions and reveal where your boat is headed to prevent accidents and damage.