Red, Green, and White: A Definitive Guide To Navigational Boat Lights
Are you a boat owner looking to get the most out of your boating experience? Whether you are out fishing, whale watching, or on a leisurely cruise around the harbor, one thing all boat owners have in common is their need for navigational lights. Having the right lights on your boat can make the difference between a safe and enjoyable time on the water and a potentially disastrous situation. If you’re new to sailing, you may be wondering what all of these lights mean. This guide will detail the type of boat lights and why you need to have them. We’ll also review safety considerations when it comes to navigational boat lights.
Types of Boat Lights
Other than the boat lights that illuminate a boat’s deck, the two other common types are red and green navigational lights. These two colors indicate the direction a boat is facing when moving on the water. Red navigation lights are placed on the left side of the boat, while green navigation lights are placed on the right side. Both of these colored lights must be visible from a distance of at least a mile away. White boat lights might also be used to indicate that a boat is stationary.
Why It Matters
The primary purpose of navigational boat lights is to allow other vessels to identify a boat’s direction and size during restricted visibility conditions. Red and green navigation lights indicate if a vessel is moving towards or away from another boat, allowing for safer navigation and collision avoidance on congested waterways. All-around white navigation lights also provide added visibility by illuminating your vessel from every direction with a single light source located above the horizon. These types of navigation lighting can help prevent accidents on the waterways and create safe navigation for everyone involved.
Different Technologies
In addition to traditional incandescent lighting, more modern technologies such as LED lighting have become more common due to their increased visibility, durability, and energy efficiency. Some vessels may choose to use an anchor light, which is usually a single white light located near the top of a vessel’s masthead.
Safety Considerations
Navigational boat lights are only effective when they are used properly and maintained regularly. If a light goes out suddenly or fails to illuminate correctly, it may be necessary for other vessels to take extra safety precautions when passing by. These precautions could include increasing speed or altering the course to avoid a collision with unseen obstacles. If your boat has an anchor light, it is critical to remember to turn it off when not anchored. This light typically indicates that your boat isn’t moving, and having illuminated incorrectly can confuse other vessels.
Navigational boat lights are an essential tool for any boat owner looking to maximize their time on the water. Boat owners can now confidently navigate the waterways with the assurance that their navigational lights are always up to the task. Now all that’s left to do is enjoy the open water.