Navigation lights

My understanding is that for vessels <12m one needs port & stbd navigation lights plus (at a minimum) an all-round white masthead light. Also that there should be a minimum 1 metre vertical separation between the sidelights and the masthead light.
How then do 3-in-1 combination lights comply?

 

Mat,
I think you're slightly confusing the rules for sail and powered vessels, but to clarify... from Hella's tri-colour installation manual:

 

Tri-lights don't display a 360 white but the stern white light. The 360 is for anchoring.

 

Thanks Will, Gonzo.
Didn't realise the separate parts of the light are individually switched, but that has it explained...

 

I think you have mis-read the regulations. It says one switch for the tri-colour and a separate switch, or a different switch position, for the anchor light. These are two separate light units.

Your anchor light can double as an all round white if you are under power, but you also need separate port and starboard lights in this condition. So you need four lights in total.

 

Here's a website that may be of interest to everybody,

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/reviewpages/boatusf/project/info2c.htm

 

Much appreciation for all who responded to this. As I prep my boat for sea, I'm pulling the mast & was going to put a masthead tri-colour on. Shamefully, my ColRegs knowledge is a bit rusty. You've not only answered an issue for me but have pushed me to re-read my ColRegs!
Mike