Running Lights

Running lights are the prescribed lights a vessel displays when underway to show its position, aspect and direction of travel after dark or in restricted visibility. Typically they include red and green sidelights, a white stern light and, for power-driven vessels, a white masthead light; exact requirements vary by vessel size and type.

Correct running lights let other skippers judge whether they are seeing your bow, side or stern and apply the collision regulations in time. Red indicates the Port Side, green the Starboard Side, while stern and masthead sectors are part of wider Navigation Lights arrangements.

Before night passages, check bulbs, lenses, switches, wiring and battery capacity, and confirm lights remain visible under sail trim or deck gear. PredictWind Weather Routing and Departure Planning can help plan daylight arrivals or avoid deteriorating visibility, but compliant running lights remain essential for being seen by traffic, alongside AIS, radar and a proper lookout.