Boat Navigation Lights
Navigation lights must always be used at night and during daylight hours in periods of restricted visibility. All boats, whether used for commercial purposes or for pleasure boating, must comply to the correct lighting regulations. It is crucial that the lights on your boat are placed and displayed appropriately to the size and class of your boat.
They tell other boat operators what your boat is doing, whether it’s at anchor, under sail or motoring. Navigation lights should be positioned so they are not obscured by the vessels superstructure or interfered with by the deck lights.
Requirements for different sized vessels
- Power vessels less than 12 metres in length
Power vessels less than 12 metres must have separate or combined port and starboard lights plus a masthead light and a stern light, or, an all-round light if unable to mount separate masthead and stern lights.
The masthead or all round white light needs to be positioned at least 1 metre above the port and starboard lights.
- Power vessels more than 12 metres but less than 20 metres in length
Power vessels less than 20 metres must have a masthead light, separate or combined port and starboard lights and a stern light.
The masthead light should be mounted at least 2.5 metres above the gunwale. Port and starboard lights should be mounted at least 1 metre below the masthead light.
- Sailing vessels up to 20 metres in length
Sailing vessels while underway (being motor driven) shall exhibit navigation lights applicable to power driven vessels. However, all round red and an all-round green may also be mounted to the top of the mast in addition. Sailing boats under sail do not require a masthead light.
When any boat is anchored, aground or at a pier (jetty), it should have an all-round white light also known as an anchor light. Remember, it’s better to be seen than to be saved!
The above information is given as a guide only and regulations can vary depending on the type, use and location of boat.
