One of the essential components for ensuring safety at sea, especially at night or in poor visibility, is the correct use of navigation lights. In this article, we will explore the regulations governing the use of navigation lights for boats up to 20 meters.
Why navigation lights are important.
Navigation lights are not only a legal requirement, but also a crucial element in preventing collisions at sea. They allow you to identify the location, direction and type of boat, providing important information to other navigators.
International regulations: the COLREG regulation
The regulations governing the use of navigation lights are established by the International Regulation for Preventing Boarding at Sea (COLREG), adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This regulation applies to all vessels, irrespective of their nationality, when they are at sea.
For vessels up to 20 metres in length, the COLREG Regulation specifies the use of the following lights:
1. Bow light
The bow light is a green navigation light mounted on the front of the boat, on the right side (starboard). It shall be visible over an arc of 112,5 degrees and at a distance of at least 2 nautical miles.
2. Port light
The port light is a red navigation light mounted on the front of the boat, on the left side (port side). This must also be visible over an arc of 112,5 degrees and at a distance of at least 2 nautical miles.
3. Stern light
The stern light is a white navigation light mounted on the back of the boat. It shall be visible over an arc of 135 degrees and at a distance of at least 2 nautical miles.
4. Deck light
The deck lamp is a white navigation light mounted above the deck of the vessel, visible over an arc of 225 degrees and at a distance of at least 3 nautical miles.
5. Circular light
A circular light is a white navigation light visible over a 360-degree arc, used on small boats that cannot fit separate fore, port and aft lamps. It shall be visible at a distance of at least 2 nautical miles.
Provisions for sailing boats
For sailing boats, sailing (without the use of the engine), are provided:
- A green bow light and a red port light, both visible at 2 nautical miles.
- A white taillight, visible at 2 nautical miles.
- Alternatively, a dual colour (green/red) headlight mounted on top of the mast and a white taillight.
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