Navigation lights

• Introduction
• Range of visibility of lights
• Placement of lights
• Lights required for power vessels underway
• Lights required for sailing vessels underway
• Optional lights
• Vessels at anchor
• More information

Introduction

Navigating at night requires special care and attention. Vessels that operate from sunset to sunrise, whether at anchor or underway, must carry and exhibit the correct lights. A vessel is underway when not anchored, moored to the shore or aground.

Navigation lights must also be displayed during daylight hours in periods of restricted visibility. All boats, whether used for commercial purposes or for pleasure boating, must comply with the regulations concerning lighting.

It is crucial the lights on your boat be placed and displayed appropriate to the size and class of your boat. These lights tell other boat operators what your boat is doing - whether it is at anchor, under sail or motoring. This guide will assist you in understanding the correct use of navigation lights on your boat.

Range of visibility of lights

• Masthead light - 3 miles. 

• Sidelight and stern light - 2 miles.

• All round lights - 2 miles.

• Masthead light - 2 miles.

• Sidelight - 1 mile.

• Stern light - 2 miles.

• All round lights - 2 miles.

Placement of lights

Navigation lights shall be positioned so they are not obscured by the vessels superstructure or interfered with by the deck lights.

The masthead and/or all round white light must be fitted (if practical) on the centre line (bow to stern) of the vessel. 
 

Lights required for power vessels underway

Power vessels of less than 7 metres in length with a maximum speed not exceeding 7 knots shall exhibit a white light visible all round and, if possible, separate or combined sidelights.

Power vessels of less than 12 metres in length shall exhibit:

1. Separate or combined sidelights, a masthead light and a stern light; or

2. Separate or combined sidelights, an all round white light.

Masthead or white all round light shall be carried at least 1 metre above the sidelights.

Power vessels more than 12 metres in length but less than 20 metres in length shall exhibit:

1. A masthead light, separate sidelights and stern light or;

2. A masthead light, combined sidelights and stern light.

The masthead light shall be carried at least 2.5 metres above the gunwale. Combined sidelights shall be carried at least 1 metre below the masthead light.

Lights required for sailing vessels underway

Sailing vessels while underway (being motor driven) shall exhibit navigation lights applicable to power driven vessels.

Sailing vessels of less than 7 metres in length, or vessels being rowed shall exhibit the lights required for sailing vessels over 7 metres in length. If not, they shall have ready for use an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent a collision.

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Sailing vessels of more than 7 metres in length and less than 20 metres in length shall exhibit:

1. Combined lantern, that is at or near the top of the mast and incorporates sidelights and stern light; or

2. Separate sidelights and stern light.

Sailing vessels more than 20 metres in length shall exhibit sidelights and stern light and may carry the optional red and green all round lights. However, these vessels may not carry a combined lantern.

A sailing vessel of any length, which is fitted with sidelights and a stern light (but not a combined lantern) may, in addition, carry two all round lights in a vertical line at or near the top of the mast. The upper light shall be red and lower green.

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Vessels at anchor

Vessels less than 50 metres in length at anchor, shall exhibit an all round white light placed where it may best be seen. Anchor lights must always be shown from sunset to sunrise. If you are at anchor or in a busy area, then show additional lights to ensure you are seen and keep a good watch.

There are many other combinations of lights used on vessels. The lights shown relate to the activity the vessel is engaged in i.e. fishing, dredging, not under command.

A simple rule of thumb for a small power boat is to stay clear of any vessels exhibiting additional lights.

 More information

The commercial vessel safety section provides detailed information about navigation lights and shapes as they relate to the Prevention of Collision at Sea Regulations 1983. These regulations are also applicable to recreational boating. For further information refer to Commercial vessel safety > Collision regulations (lights and shapes).

You can also contact us for additional advice.

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