What navigation lights do I need on my boat?
The required lights are: Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night. An all-round white light (if vessel is less than 39.4 feet long) or both a masthead light and a sternlight.
Where do you put navigation lights on a boat?
The light fitting must be located at least one metre above the sidelights; and should as far as practicable, be on the centreline of the boat. As a general rule, an all- round white light should not be obscured by masts or other structures by more than 6° of arc.
What color are navigation lights on a boat?
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.
What does a single white light on a boat tell you?
What Does a White Light Indicate? If only a white light is visible, you may be approaching another craft from behind. You are the give-way-craft and must take early and substantial action to steer well clear by altering your course and passing at a safe distance on the starboard (right) or port (left) side.
How tall should stern light be?
Your white stern light is supposed to be at least one meter above your green and red sidelights on the bow. Actually, the USCG regs say that the sidelights must be at least one meter below the stern light, but same difference.
Are navigation lights required?
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.
What Colour is the port navigation light?
red light
The red light indicates a vessel’s port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel’s starboard (right) side. Sternlight: This white light is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel.
Why are boat navigation lights red and green?
Sidelights: These red and green lights are called sidelights (also called combination lights) because they are visible to another vessel approaching from the side or head-on. The red light indicates a vessel’s port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel’s starboard (right) side.
Why is starboard green and port red?
Along with the port and starboard nautical terms, colours are also used to aid in navigation especially during night manoeuvres. Red is the international convention for the port side, while green is the colour for the starboard side. This is common on aircraft and helicopter vessels.
