Navigation Lights

Navigation lights are the prescribed lights shown by a vessel from sunset to sunrise, and in restricted visibility, to indicate its presence, direction of travel, size, and operating status. Under the COLREGs, their colour, arc of visibility, range, and placement identify whether a vessel is underway, at anchor, sailing, motoring, towing, fishing, or constrained in its ability to manoeuvre.

For boaters, correctly displayed and interpreted lights are essential for collision avoidance at night or in poor visibility. A red light marks the Port Side, a green light the Starboard Side, and a white stern or masthead light helps determine aspect and heading. They work alongside Running Lights, sound signals, lookout, and safe speed decisions.

Navigation lights should be checked before departure, especially for offshore passages, after maintenance, or when relying on battery power. PredictWind planning tools can help you anticipate night sailing, reduced visibility, and traffic exposure, while onboard systems such as AIS add valuable situational awareness but never replace compliant lights.