Navigation Lights Quiz

Navigation Lights

Purpose

• To indicate a vessel's position, direction, and status to other vessels and observers
• To prevent collisions and ensure safe navigation

Types of Navigation Lights

• Port light: Red light displayed on the left (port) side of the vessel
• Starboard light: Green light displayed on the right (starboard) side of the vessel
• Stern light: White light displayed at the rear of the vessel
• Masthead light: White light displayed forward of the beam of the vessel, visible from 225°
• Anchor light: White light displayed when the vessel is at anchor

Visibility Requirements

• Navigation lights must be visible for a minimum distance of 1-3 nautical miles, depending on the type of light
• The intensity of the lights must meet specific standards

International Regulations

• The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) dictate the use and display of navigation lights
• COLREGS apply to all vessels, including power-driven vessels, sailing vessels, and vessels under tow

Additional Requirements

• Vessel length: Navigation lights are required for vessels over 7 meters (23 feet) in length
• Operating hours: Navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility
• Exceptions: Certain vessels, such as sailboats and fishing vessels, have specific exemptions or variations to the navigation light requirements

Navigation Lights

Purpose

• Indicate vessel's position, direction, and status to prevent collisions and ensure safe navigation

Types of Navigation Lights

• Port light: red, displayed on left (port) side
• Starboard light: green, displayed on right (starboard) side
• Stern light: white, displayed at rear
• Masthead light: white, forward of beam, visible from 225°
• Anchor light: white, displayed when at anchor

Visibility Requirements

• Minimum visibility distance: 1-3 nautical miles, depending on type of light
• Intensity of lights must meet specific standards

International Regulations

• COLREGS dictate use and display of navigation lights
• Apply to all vessels: power-driven, sailing, and under tow

Additional Requirements

• Vessel length: navigation lights required for vessels over 7 meters (23 feet) in length
• Operating hours: navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during reduced visibility
• Exceptions: sailboats and fishing vessels have specific exemptions or variations