During our daily surveys, we frequently discover navigation lights that are improperly installed or configured, making a vessel unsafe during use. To ensure safety, properly installed navigation lights are essential for preventing collisions at night or in low visibility. These lights allow you to see other nearby vessels and enable other vessels to see you, keeping both you and your vessel safe.
The earliest record of navigation light requirements dates back to 300 BC. As we move into the early 1800s, the introduction of steamships revolutionised maritime travel. Ships, now free from the constraints of natural forces, could travel faster, which unfortunately led to collisions due to the absence of navigation lights and unclear intentions of approaching vessels. Consequently, by the mid-1800s, ship owners and masters began lobbying for legislation. Their efforts bore fruit, resulting in the mandatory implementation of navigation lights.
Common boater mistakes
- Tender mounted on the transom, concealing the stern light.
- Canvas secured to the hardtop, concealing the stern light.
- Stern light broken/missing.
- Burnt out bulbs.
- Port and starboard running lights configured incorrectly.
- Stanchions, biminis, masts, antenna mounts, etc., obstructing navigation lights.
- Lights not high enough to be visible 5° below the horizon (low-mounted lights on hardtops).
Fundamental navigation light rules
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The port running light is red, indicating the left side of the boat facing forward, as seen by other boats. The light must illuminate from straight forward to 112.5° aft.
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The starboard running light is green, indicating the right side of the boat facing forward, as seen by other boats. The light must illuminate from straight forward to 112.5° aft.
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The stern light is white and must illuminate 135° across the rear (67.5° from straight back to each side).
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The masthead light, if applicable, is white and illuminates 225° forward. All-round lights are white and illuminate a full 360°.
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When anchored at night outside a designated anchorage, an all-round light visible for at least 2 nautical miles is required.
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A masthead light is white and illuminates 225° across the forward part of the boat, above the running lights.
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Sailboats under power are considered powerboats.
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Running lights are referred to as side lights.
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Bi-coloured lights can be used on sailboats and small powerboats.
Navigation lights: Size matters
- Powerboats that are less than 12m (39.4′) may substitute a single all-round light for separate stern and masthead lights.
- Powerboats and sailboats under power that are less than 20m (65.7′) can substitute a single bi-colour light for sidelights.
- Sailboats less than 20m (65.7′) can substitute a tricolour light for separate sidelights and stern light—or a bi-colour light and a stern light may be substituted.
- Sailboats less than 7m (23′) shall, if practicable, exhibit lights as explained above. An acceptable substitute is to keep ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern (flashlight) that shows a white light that shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
Navigation Lights: Configurations
Non-compliant navigation lights
- Lights are facing upwards instead of to the side, preventing nearby boaters from seeing the boat’s correct position.
- The lights in the photo are designed for a flat surface, perpendicular to the boat’s fore and aft line.
- Even if mounted on their sides, the current lights wouldn’t comply with the required 112.5° arc.
- Stanchions interfere with the 112.5° uninterrupted arc.
Why doesn’t my boat automatically have the proper light setup?
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The boat may have been imported into Australia with non-compliant lights.
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Someone may have replaced or modified the lights at some point, incorrectly selecting and installing new ones.
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Equipment may have been installed that interferes with the compliance of navigation lights.
Summary
We expect navigation lights to be correctly installed, but it’s easy to overlook this. We board the boat, see the lights, turn them on—done!
To comply, you must have properly certified and configured navigation lights on your boat. As the operator, you must ensure compliance. Safety is key, with a global standard for the placement and operation of navigation lights. This worldwide continuity helps in reading and interpreting the position of approaching vessels.
Check your lights to ensure they are operational and correctly placed. Carry spare bulbs, and happy boating!
Required visibility ranges
