Navigation Boat Lights Guide: Light Up Your Boat and Navigate Safely at Night
Looking to deck out your navigation vessel with some safety navigation lights? Well, you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll give you all the need-to-know info on navigation boat lights.
We'll explore what navigation boat lights are, why you need them, and what the different types are. We'll also give you some tips on how to choose the right navigation boat lights for your boat.
So if you're ready to learn everything there is to know about navigation boat lights, read on!
What are Navigation Boat Lights?
Navigation boat lights are lights used to identify a vessel's position, heading, and intentions to other boats and vessels in the area. Navigational lights also help signal for help if you find yourself in an emergency while navigating the waters or anchoring.
It is crucial to have proper navigation lights when operating a vessel at night or in restricted visibility. By law, all vessels must be equipped with navigation lights that meet specific size, intensity, and placement requirements.
Installing Navigation Boat Lights
Installing navigation lights on your boat is a quick and easy way to improve safety while on the water.
Your boat navigation light kit should have the following components:
- Navigation light
- Mounting port
- Attachment screws
- Batteries (not included in some models)
With these components, follow these steps to get the navigation boat light installed:
- Select a suitable place to install the mounting port for your navigation light. This should be a location that is easily visible and matches the specifications of the navigation light you are installing.
- Install the mounting port on your boat using the screws or other attachment method provided with the mounting port.
- Attach the light to the port. Ensure that the light is securely fastened and will not come loose while your boat is in motion.
- Install the batteries to the light and test it to ensure that it is working properly. You should do this both during the day and at night.
- Enjoy your improved safety while on the water!
Types of Boat Navigation Lights
There are 4 main types of boat navigation lights: sidelights, stern lights, masthead lights, and bi-color navigation lights.
Sidelights
Sidelights are red and green lights mounted on the boat's sides and indicate the boat's direction of travel. Sidelight can be separate or combined. In the latter, the sidelights are combined in a single fixture and installed in the vessel's centerline.
Stern light
Stern lights are mounted on the back of the boat and are used to indicate the boat's position to other vessels. Stern lights are usually white lights installed on a stern and visible across 135 degrees.
Masthead light
Most navigation light systems also include a masthead light, a white light visible from all directions. This light is typically placed at the very top of the mast, and it helps other boats see your boat from a distance.
The stern and masthead lights are often put in the same category under boat navigation lights regulations. A substitute for the two lights is usually 360 degrees all-round white light.
Bi-color navigation lights
The bi-color navigation light is one of the latest innovations in LED lighting. This type of light uses a unique optical design that allows maximum brightness while reducing heat. This makes the light more durable and reliable.
Choosing Boat Navigation lights
Below are the most important to consider when choosing boat navigation lights:
Operation modes
A good boat navigation light should have at least 3 main operation modes: full brightness, low brightness, and flashing mode for emergency signaling.
Battery life
Depending on the mode you choose, reasonable battery life for boat navigation lights will be in the range of 25 to 200 hours. You want to ensure that your lights will last for a long time so you don't have to worry about them running out of power while you're out on the water.
Waterproofing
Navigation lights that are not waterproof can be damaged by moisture, so choosing a light that can withstand the elements is important. IP 67 waterproof design is usually recommended.
Value for money
Navigation lights can vary widely in price, so it's essential to find a light that fits your budget while not compromising on quality. Depending on the type, a good boat navigational light should cost anywhere between $49 and $199.
High-quality materials
Make sure you choose lights made from high-quality materials. UV-stabilized lights are a good option, as they'll be able to withstand exposure to the sun without fading or cracking. You'll also want to ensure the lights are made from corrosion-resistant and durable materials.
Boat Navigation Lights Rules
The navigation lights regulations vary depending on factors such as the height of the boat, what powers the boat, and the location of your boat. That said, here are common rules for boat navigation to expect:
Vessels under 12 meters or 39.4 feet should have the following:
- Separate or combined red and green sidelights visible at 112.5 degrees from 1 mile away at night.
- A masthead light and a stern light or, alternatively, an all-round 360 degrees white light that’s 1 meter or 39 inches above the sidelights and can be seen from 2 miles away.
These requirements also apply, when practical, for powerboats or sailboats under a motor under 7 meters or 22.9 feet and whose speed does not exceed 7knots.
Vessels over 12 meters or 39.4 feet but under 20 meters or 65.4 feet should have the following:
- Separate or combined red and green sidelights visible at 112.5 degrees from 1 mile away at night.
- A masthead light that can be seen from 2 miles away across 225 degrees. The masthead light should be placed 8 feet or 2.4 meters above the gunnel.
- A stern light visible from 2 miles away across 135 degrees.
Boats 20 meters or 65.4 feet should display a masthead light visible from 5 miles at night. The other lights should be visible from a distance of 2 miles.
If you are anchoring your boat in a non-designated area, you need to display an all-round 360 degrees white light visible to other boats in the area.
A black anchor ball should be displayed when anchoring in an undesignated area during the day.
FAQs
What time do I turn on boat navigation lights?
In general, you should turn on your boat navigation lights when operating between sunset and sunrise or in restricted visibility. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you're anchored in an undesignated area, you are expected to display your navigation lights.
What colors are boat navigation lights?
Navigation lights are usually made up of three different colors: red, green, and white. The red and green lights are the sidelights used to signal your position to other boats, and the white light signals that you're underway or anchored in an undesignated area.
What to do when your navigation light fails
If your navigation light fails, you should first turn on your electric torch, flashlight, or spotlight. This will help you see where you are going and avoid running into things.
If you have a VHF radio on board, you should also contact the coast guard or other relevant authority to inform them that you are having navigation light trouble.
It is also a good idea to keep a flare gun on board in case of emergencies. If you see another vessel, you can fire off a flare to signal that you need help.
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