Boating Safety – Navigation Lights

Boats that operate between sunset and sunrise must use specific lighting equipment in order to remain safely visible, they must also use lights in times of restricted visibility. Unfortunately not all boats bought from a showroom or factory are pre-fitted with all of the necessary equipment. Therefore it’s down to the owner to make sure the boat is fitted with the correct lighting equipment.

The lights that should be used can vary depending upon both its size and the waters which it is operating in. For example, motorboats that are less than 20 meters (65.62 feet) long should exhibit navigation lights, and boats over 50 meters (164 feet) must display two masthead lights.

There are many other factors that determine which lights should be used, these can include whether or not the boat is anchored or if the boat has restricted maneuverability. If you happen to be unsure if your boat has the correct lighting setup, seek advice from an expert boating supplier.