Navigation lights should be displayed between sunset and
sunrise, and between sunrise and sunset when in or near areas of restricted
visibility.
Larger vessels carry more lights which also have a longer nominal range.
Navigation lights consist of a port sidelight (112.5°), a
starboard sidelight (112.5°) and a stern light (135°).
This gives a total of 360° and gives information on the size and aspect of
the vessel to other vessels in the area.
The steaming light (225°), on the main mast, indicates a power driven vessel
including yachts under engine.
This is called the masthead light. Larger vessels, over 50m, show an
additional white light (arc 225°) positioned forward and lower than the main
masthead light.
This yacht has two sets of lights showing. They are alternatives.
When sailing, a yacht displays bow lights (bicolour) or sidelights
(port and starboard) and a stern light; or alternatively the tricolour
at the masthead if under 20m.
A yacht may also carry additional all-round red over green
lights at the masthead when
using sidelights.
When motoring or motor sailing a sailing yacht is deemed to be a motor
vessel and should show the lights as listed below.
When motoring a yacht displays a bow light (bicolour), a stern light and
a steaming light. Never use the tricolour when motoring or motor
sailing.
Never have the tricolour on with the bicolour, stern light or the
steaming light.
In fog: Sound 1 long and 2 short blasts at an interval of not more than 2 minutes.
All-round white light with optional sidelights.
In fog: Sound 1 long blast at an interval of not more than 2 minutes.
A masthead light visible for 2 nautical miles mounted at least 2.5m above
the sidelights; stern light visible for 2 nautical miles and sidelights may be combined at the bow with visibility of
1 nautical mile.
May show sidelights and an all-round white light instead of a masthead
light and stern light with visibility
of at least 2 nautical miles.
In fog: Sound 1 long blast at an interval of not more than 2 minutes.
A masthead light visible for 3 miles, stern light visible for 3
miles and sidelights with visibility of 2 miles.
In fog: 1 Sound long blast at an interval of not more than 2 minutes.
A masthead light; a second white light (arc 225°) positioned forward and lower than the main masthead light; a stern light all visible for 5 nautical miles, and sidelights visible for 3 nautical miles.
In fog: Sound 1 long blast at an interval of not more than 2 minutes.
