After Dark
If you fined yourself out after dark or in poor visibility it is very important to be seen by other boats to avoid a collision. If you follow the instructions below you should remain safe.
Navigation Lights
If practical, manually driven boats less than 7 meters should have between sunset and sunrise and during periods of heavy rain or fog (or any other circumstance where use of lights is deemed necessary). Should have red and green sidelights that can be seen for a distance of one mile on a clear dark night. (See figure 2 below). An all-around light or the combination of a masthead light and a stern light is also required. (See figure 3 below). That can be seen from a distance of three miles. Also the masthead light is to be one meter higher than the side lights, the same as the requirements for larger boats of 12 meters or les. If this is not practical, they must have a lantern or flashlight shining a white light while underway as a minimum requirement. (See figure 1 below.)
Navigation Lights
If practical, manually driven boats less than 7 meters should have between sunset and sunrise and during periods of heavy rain or fog (or any other circumstance where use of lights is deemed necessary). Should have red and green sidelights that can be seen for a distance of one mile on a clear dark night. (See figure 2 below). An all-around light or the combination of a masthead light and a stern light is also required. (See figure 3 below). That can be seen from a distance of three miles. Also the masthead light is to be one meter higher than the side lights, the same as the requirements for larger boats of 12 meters or les. If this is not practical, they must have a lantern or flashlight shining a white light while underway as a minimum requirement. (See figure 1 below.)
Although this page gives information about the lights to use after dark. For safety reasons we recommend that you plan to complete your journey before dark, but be prepared incase you are delayed. Safety is the responsibility of the individual.