Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Rules Regarding Marine Navigation Lights

By Janet Gaye Walker


There are many rules when it comes to sailing, but the most important of those when it comes to the safety of others are the marine navigation lights rules. These are essential that they are followed correctly to help stop any accidents from happening in times of bad visibility; it is important that others know how big your vessel is and where you are going.

Any vessel that is less than 40 feet in length are supposed to have a masthead light but there are certain situations when this is not needed; for example, if you have a very strong white stern light placed on the smaller mast. Both of these lights are required if you have a vessel that is longer than 40 feet. These lights should be visible from any direction of travel.

It is important to know which way your boat is traveling and the best way to do this is by knowing which side of your boat is which. Red lights will indicate the left side of your boat, which is the port side, while green lights are for the right side, the starboard. There is no ruling on how far apart these marine navigation lights are placed, as long as they are seen on the correct side; they can be placed next to each other or on completely opposite sides of the boat. These lights must run whenever the boat is in bad visibility and during nighttime; this does not matter how clear the sky is.

Sailing vessels have slightly different rules when it becomes known. Anything less than 23 feet has to have a stern light and the lights indicating both sides of the craft. However, it is possible to get away with using a torch with a powerful beam if the lights cannot be placed due to the small size; the main aim is to ensure that others can see that you are there.

It is important that all rules regarding find good marine radar systemsare adhered to for the safety of other boat users and should be regarded as being similar to a car driver on the road. You should make sure you know all the rules concerning cheap marine navigation lights and understand the distances of the visibility of the lights.




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