Navigation lights for large (>65') sailboat

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by Scott Carter, Feb 4, 2007.

  1. Scott Carter
    Joined: Oct 2006
    Posts: 130
    Likes: 11, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 143
    Location: Annapolis

    Scott Carter Senior Member

    The amount of conflicting information in this world is amazing, isn't it? My simple task is this: determine the required and, if different, most desirable configuration of running/steaming/anchoring/navigation lights for my 78' schooner. This would include masthead (whites, reds and green), bow lights (presumably just a red and a green, but who knows) stern light, all around rainbow lights plus the disco ball. Where the hell does THAT go? There's copious information out there for vessels 65' or less, but what I've not yet come across is what the requirements for vessels over 65' are. This is a schooner, but only 2 masts. My 5 masted schooner is on the hard having new plasma screens installed ;-)
    If there's a document out there that anyone can refer me to then that'd be soooper. USCG so far has been unresponsive. I'm in Thailand building this thing, so I can't just shoot down to my local auxiliary and ask. The Thai coast guard requires exactly zero lights, so I've got this part of the world covered, because that's precisely how many I currently have. Her maiden voyage will be around-the-world so if anyone knows of international regs that also conform to USCG regs then that'd be double soooper.
    Please be the light of my life by helping me.
    Scott
     
  2. riggertroy
    Joined: Jul 2004
    Posts: 104
    Likes: 9, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 85
    Location: New Zealand

    riggertroy Senior Member

    Not sure about US Coastguard regs but if you go by the Internationa Collision avoidance regs you should be OK,

    here is the latest copy that I have, From Part C till the end, let me know if you want the rest.
    Where in Thailand are you? I'm in Sattahip right now.
    ===============================
    PART C - LIGHTS AND SHAPES
    Rule 20
    Application
    (a) Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all weathers.
    (b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.
    (c) The lights prescribed by these Rules shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary.
    (d) The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day.
    (e) The lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.

    Rule 21
    Definitions
    (a) “Masthead light” means a white light placed over the fore and aft centreline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.
    (b) “Sidelights” means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from the right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel of less than 20 metres in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centreline of the vessel.
    (c) “Sternlight” means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.
    (d) “Towing light” means a yellow light having the same characteristics as the “sternlight” defined in paragraph (c) of this Rule.
    (e) “All-round light” means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.
    (f) “Flashing light” means a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.

    Rule 22
    Visibility of lights
    The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as specified in Section 8 of Annex I to these
    Regulations so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:
    (a) In vessels of 50 metres or more in length:
    - a masthead light, 6 miles;
    - a sidelight, 3 miles;
    - a stern light, 3 miles;
    - a towing light, 3 miles;
    - a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles.
    (b) In vessels of 12 metres or more in length but less than 50 metres in length:
    - a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 metres, 3 miles;
    - a sidelight, 2 miles;
    - a sternlight, 2 miles;
    - a towing light, 2 miles;
    - a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.
    (c) In vessels of less than 12 metres in length:
    - a masthead light, 2 miles;
    - a sidelight, 1 mile;
    - a sternlight, 2 miles;
    - a towing light, 2 miles
    - a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.
    (d) In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects being towed:
    - a white all-round light, 3 miles.

    Rule 23
    Power-driven vessels underway
    (a) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:
    (i) a masthead light forward;
    (ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 metres in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light but may do so;
    (iii) sidelights;
    (iv) a sternlight.
    (b) An air-cushion vessel when operating in the non-displacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light.
    (c) A WIG craft only when taking off, landing and in flight near the surface shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit a high intensity all-round flashing red light.
    (d) (i) A power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights;
    (ii) a power-driven vessel of less than 7 metres in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights;
    (iii) the masthead light or all-round white light on a power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may be displaced from the fore and aft centre line of the vessel if centreline fitting is not practicable, provided that the sidelights are combined in one lantern which shall be carried on the fore and aft centre line of the vessel or located as nearly as practicable in the same fore and aft line as the masthead light or the all-round white light.

    Rule 24
    Towing and pushing
    (a) A power-driven vessel when towing shall exhibit:
    (i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds 200 metres, three such lights in a vertical line;
    (ii) sidelights;
    (iii) a sternlight;
    (iv) a towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight;
    (v) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.
    (b) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in Rule 23.
    (c) A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except in the case of a composite unit, shall exhibit:
    (i) instead of the light prescribed in Rule 23(a)(i) or (a)(ii), two masthead lights in a vertical line;
    (ii) sidelights;
    (iii) a sternlight.
    (d) A power-driven vessel to which paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule applies shall also comply with Rule 23(a) (ii).
    (e) A vessel or object being towed, other than those mentioned in paragraph (g) of this Rule, shall exhibit:
    (i) sidelights;
    (ii) a sternlight;
    (iii) when the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.
    (f) Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel,
    (i) a vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end sidelights;
    (ii) a vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end, sidelights.
    (g) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object, or combination of such vessels or objects being towed, shall exhibit:
    (i) if it is less than 25 metres in breadth, one all-round white light at or near the forward end and one at or near the after end except that dracones need not exhibit a light at or near the forward end;
    (ii) if it is 25 metres or more in breadth, two additional all-round white lights at or near the extremities of its breadth;
    (iii) if it exceeds 100 metres in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed 100 metres;
    (iv) a diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed and if the length of the tow exceeds 200 metres an additional diamond shape where it can best be seen and located as far forward as is practicable.
    (h) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in paragraph (e) or (g) of this Rule, all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of such vessel or object.
    (i) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (c) of this Rule, such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being towed as authorized by Rule 36, in particular by illuminating the towline.

    Rule 25
    Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars
    (a) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:
    (i) sidelights;
    (ii) a sternlight.
    (b) In a sailing vessel of less than 20 metres in length the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen.
    (c) A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by paragraph (b) of this Rule.
    (d) (i) A sailing vessel of less than 7 metres in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
    (ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this Rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
    (e) A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards.

    Rule 26
    Fishing Vessels
    (a) A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule.
    (b) A vessel when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the dragging through the water of a dredge net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance, shall exhibit:
    (i) two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being green and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with their apexes together in a vertical line one above the other;
    (ii) a masthead light abaft of and higher than the all-round green light; a vessel of less than 50 metres in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so;
    (iii) when making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a stern light.
    (c) A vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, shall exhibit:
    (i) two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with apexes together in a vertical line one above the other;
    (ii) when there is outlying gear extending more than 150 metres horizontally from the vessel, an all- round white light or a cone apex upwards in the direction of the gear;
    (iii) when making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.
    (d) The additional signals described in Annex II to these Regulations apply to a vessel engaged in fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing.
    (e) A vessel when not engaged in fishing shall not exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this Rule, but only those prescribed for a vessel of her length.

    Rule 27
    Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre
    (a) A vessel not under command shall exhibit:
    (i) two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen;
    (ii) two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen;
    (iii) when making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a stern light.
    (b) A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, except a vessel engaged in mine-clearance operations, shall exhibit:
    (i) three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;
    (ii) three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond;
    (iii) when making way through the water, a masthead light or lights, sidelights and a sternlight, in addition to the lights prescribed in sub-paragraph (i);
    (iv) when at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (i) and(ii), the light, lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30.
    (c) A power-driven vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 24(a), exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (b)(i) and (ii) of this Rule.
    (d) A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, shall exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (b) (i), (ii) and (iii) of this Rule and shall in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:
    (i) two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to indicate the side on which the obstruction exists;
    (ii) two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical line to indicate the side on which another vessel may pass;
    (iii) when at anchor, the lights or shapes prescribed in this paragraph instead of the lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30.
    (e) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed in paragraph (d) of this Rule, the following shall be exhibited:
    (i) three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;
    (ii) a rigid replica of the International Code flag “A” not less than 1 metre in height. Measures shall be taken to ensure its all-round visibility.
    (f) A vessel engaged in mine-clearance operations shall in addition to the lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel in Rule 23 or to the lights or shape prescribed for a vessel at anchor in Rule 30 as appropriate, exhibit three all-round green lights or three balls. One of these lights or shapes shall be exhibited near the foremast head and one at each end of the fore yard. These lights or shapes indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach within 1000 metres of the mine clearance vessel.
    (g) Vessels of less than 12 metres in length, except those engaged in diving operations, shall not be required to exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in this Rule.
    (h) The signals prescribed in this Rule are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance.
    Such signals are contained in Annex IV to these Regulations.

    Rule 28
    Vessels constrained by their draught
    A vessel constrained by her draught may, in addition to the lights prescribed for power-driven vessels in Rule 23, exhibit where they can best be seen three all-round red lights in a vertical line, or a cylinder.

    Rule 29
    Pilot vessels
    (a) A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit:
    (i) at or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being white and the lower red;
    (ii) when underway, in addition, sidelights and a sternlight;
    (iii) when at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in sub-paragraph (i), the light, lights or shape prescribed in Rule 30 for vessels at anchor.
    (b) A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed for a similar vessel of her length.

    Rule 30
    Anchored vessels and vessels aground
    (a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
    (i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball;
    (ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in sub-paragraph (i), an all-round white light.
    (b) A vessel of less than 50 metres in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.
    (c) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 metres and more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.
    (d) A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule and in addition, where they can best be seen:
    (i) two all-round red lights in a vertical line;
    (ii) three balls in a vertical line.
    (e) A vessel of less than 7 metres in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule.
    (f) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length, when aground, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in sub-paragraphs (d) (i) and (ii) of this Rule.

    Rule 31
    Seaplanes
    Where it is impracticable for a seaplane or a WIG craft to exhibit lights and shapes of the characteristics or in the positions prescribed in the Rules of this Part she shall exhibit lights and shapes as closely similar in characteristics and position as is possible.


    PART D - SOUND AND LIGHT SIGNALS
    Rule 32
    Definitions
    (a) The word “whistle” means any sound signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and which complies with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations.
    (b) The term “short blast” means a blast of about one second’s duration.
    (c) The term “prolonged blast” means a blast of from four to six seconds’ duration.

    Rule 33
    Equipment for sound signals
    (a) A vessel of 12 metres or more in length shall be provided with a whistle, a vessel of 20 metres or more in length shall be provided with a bell in addition to a whistle, and a vessel of 100 metres or more in length shall, in addition, be provided with a gong, the tone and sound of which cannot be confused with that of the bell. The whistle, bell and gong shall comply with the specifications in Annex III to these Regulations. The bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible.
    (b) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to carry the sound signalling appliances prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule but if she does not, she shall be provided with some other means of making an efficient sound signal.

    Rule 34
    Manoeuvring and warning signals
    (a) When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel underway, when manoeuvring as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate that manoeuvre by the following signals on her whistle:
    - one short blast to mean “I am altering my course to starboard”;
    - two short blasts to mean “I am altering my course to port”;
    - three short blasts to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”.
    (b) Any vessel may supplement the whistle signals prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule by light signals, repeated as appropriate, whilst the manoeuvre is being carried out:
    (i) these light signals shall have the following significance
    - one flash to mean “I am altering my course to starboard”;
    - two flashes to mean “I am altering my course to port”;
    - three flashes to mean “I am operating astern propulsion”;
    (ii) the duration of each flash shall be about one second, the interval between flashes shall be about one second, and the interval between successive signals shall be not less than ten seconds;
    (iii) the light used for this signal shall, if fitted, be an all-round white light, visible at a minimum range of 5 miles, and shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations.
    (c) When in sight of one another in a narrow channel or fairway:
    (i) a vessel intending to overtake another shall in compliance with Rule 9(e)(i) indicate her intention by the following signals on her whistle:
    - two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast to mean “I intend to overtake you on your starboard side”;
    - two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts to mean “I intend to overtake you on your port side”.
    (ii) the vessel about to be overtaken when acting in accordance with Rule 9(e)(i) shall indicate her agreement by the following signal on her whistle:
    - one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, in that order.
    (d) When vessels in sight of one another are approaching each other and from any cause either vessel fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken by the other to avoid collision, the vessel in doubt shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. Such signal may be supplemented by a light signal of at least five short and rapid flashes.
    (e) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one prolonged blast. Such signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within hearing around the bend or behind the intervening obstruction.
    (f) If whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than 100 metres, one whistle only shall be used for giving manoeuvring and warning signals.

    Rule 35
    Sound signals in restricted visibility
    In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as follows:
    (a) A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast.
    (b) A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about 2 seconds between them.
    (c) A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, a vessel constrained by her draught, a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing and a vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall, instead of the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule, sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes three blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by two short blasts.
    (d) A vessel engaged in fishing, when at anchor, and a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre when carrying out her work at anchor, shall instead of the signals prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Rule sound the signal prescribed in paragraph (c) of this Rule.
    (e) A vessel towed or if more than one vessel is towed the last vessel of the tow, if manned, shall at intervals of not more than 2 minutes sound four blasts in succession, namely one prolonged followed by three short blasts. When practicable, this signal shall be made immediately after the signal made by the towing vessel.
    (f) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and shall give the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule.
    (g) A vessel at anchor shall at intervals of not more than one minute ring the bell rapidly for about 5 seconds. In a vessel of 100 metres or more in length the bell shall be sounded in the forepart of the vessel and immediately after the ringing of the bell the gong shall be sounded rapidly for about 5 seconds in the after part of the vessel. A vessel at anchor may in addition sound three blasts in succession, namely one short, one prolonged and one short blast, to give warning of her position and of the possibility of collision to an approaching vessel.
    (h) A vessel aground shall give the bell signal and if required the gong signal prescribed in paragraph (g) of this Rule and shall, in addition, give three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell. A vessel aground may in addition sound an appropriate whistle signal.
    (i) A vessel of 12 metres or more but less than 20 metres in length shall not be obliged to give the bell signals prescribed in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this Rule. However, if she does not, she shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
    (j) A vessel of less than 12 metres in length shall not be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals but, if she does not, shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
    (k) A pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may in addition to the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a),(b) or (g) of this Rule sound an identity signal consisting of four short blasts.

    Rule 36
    Signals to attract attention
    If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorised elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided.

    Rule 37
    Distress signals
    When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she shall use or exhibit the signals described in Annex
    IV to these Regulations.

    PART E - EXEMPTIONS

    Rule 38
    Exemptions
    Any vessel (or class of vessels) provided that she complies with the requirements of the International
    Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1960 (a), the keel of which is laid or which is at a corresponding stage of construction before the entry into force of these Regulations may be exempted from compliance therewith as follows:
    (a) The installation of lights with ranges prescribed in Rule 22, until 4 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.
    (b) The installation of lights with colour specifications as prescribed in Section 7 of Annex I to these Regulations, until 4 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.
    (c) The repositioning of lights as a result of conversion from Imperial to metric units and rounding off measurement figures, permanent exemption.
    (d) (i) The repositioning of masthead lights on vessels of less than 150 metres in length, resulting from the prescriptions of Section 3(a) of Annex I to these Regulations, permanent exemption.
    (ii) The repositioning of masthead lights on vessels of 150 metres or more in length, resulting from the prescriptions of Section 3(a) of Annex I to these Regulations, until 9 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.
    (a) See Cmnd.2956 and Schedule 1 to the Collision Regulations (Ships and Seaplanes on the Water) and Signals of Distress (Ships) Order 1965 (S.I. 1965/1525)
    (e) The repositioning of masthead lights resulting from the prescriptions of Section 2(b) of Annex I to these Regulations, until 9 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.
    (f) The repositioning of sidelights resulting from the prescriptions of Sections 2(g) and 3(b) of Annex I to these Regulations, until 9 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.
    (g) The requirements for sound signal appliances prescribed in Annex III to these Regulations, until 9 years after the date of entry into force of these Regulations.
    (h) The repositioning of all-round lights resulting from the prescription of Section 9(b) of Annex I to these Regulations, permanent exemption.

    ANNEX I
    Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes
    1. Definition
    The term “height above the hull” means height above the uppermost continuous deck. This height shall be measured from the position vertically beneath the location of the light.

    2. Vertical positioning and spacing of lights
    (a) On a power-driven vessel of 20 metres or more in length the masthead lights shall be placed as follows:
    (i) the forward masthead light, or if only one masthead light is carried, then that light, at a height above the hull of not less than 6 metres, and, if the breadth of the vessel exceeds 6 metres, then at a height above the hull not less than such breadth, so however that the light need not be placed at a greater height above the hull than 12 metres;
    (ii) when two masthead lights are carried the after one shall be at least 4.5 metres vertically higher than the forward one.
    (b) The vertical separation of masthead lights of power-driven vessels shall be such that in all normal conditions of trim the after light will be seen over and separate from the forward light at a distance of 1,000 metres from the stem when viewed from sea-level.
    (c) The masthead light of a power-driven vessel of 12 metres but less than 20 metres in length shall be placed at a height above the gunwale of not less than 2.5 metres.
    (d) A power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may carry the uppermost light at a height of less than 2.5 metres above the gunwale. When however a masthead light is carried in additionto sidelights and a sternlight or the all-round light prescribed in Rule 23(c)(i) is carried in addition to sidelights, then such masthead light or all- round light shall be carried at least 1 metre higherthan the sidelights.
    (e) One of the two or three masthead lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel when engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall be placed in the same position as either the forward masthead light or the after masthead light; provided that, if carried on the aftermast, the lowest after masthead light shall be at least 4.5 metres vertically higher than the forward masthead light.
    (f) (i) The masthead light or lights prescribed in Rule 23(a) shall be so placed as to be above and clear of all other lights and obstructions except as described in sub-paragraph (ii).
    (ii) When it is impracticable to carry the all-round lights prescribed by Rule 27(b)(i) or Rule 28 below the masthead lights, they may be carried above the after masthead light(s) or vertically in between the forward masthead light(s) and the after masthead light(s) provided that in the latter case the requirement of Section 3(c) of this Annex shall be complied with.
    (g) The sidelights of a power-driven vessel shall be placed at a height above the hull not greater than three-quarters of that of the forward masthead light. They shall not be so low as to be interfered with by deck lights.
    (h) The sidelights, if in a combined lantern and carried on a power-driven vessel of less than 20 metres in length, shall be placed not less than 1 metre below the masthead light.
    (i) When the Rules prescribe two or three lights to be carried in a vertical line, they shall be spaced as follows:
    (i) on a vessel of 20 metres in length or more such lights shall be spaced not less than 2 metres apart, and the lowest of these lights shall, except where a towing light is required, be placed at a height of not less than 4 metres above the hull;
    (ii) on a vessel of less than 20 metres in length such lights shall be spaced not less than 1 metre apart and the lowest of these lights shall, except where a towing light is required, be placed at a height of not less than 2 metres above the gunwale;
    (iii) when three lights are carried they shall be equally spaced.
    (j) The lower of the two all-round lights prescribed for a vessel when engaged in fishing shall be at a height above the sidelights not less than twice the distance between the two vertical lights.
    (k) The forward anchor light prescribed in Rule 30(a)(i), when two are carried, shall not be less than 4.5 metres above the after one. On a vessel of 50 metres or more in length this forward anchor light shall be placed at a height of not less than 6 metres above the hull.

    3. Horizontal positioning and spacing of lights
    (a) When two masthead lights are prescribed for a power-driven vessel, the horizontal distance between them shall not be less than one-half of the length of the vessel but need not be more than 100 metres. The forward light shall be placed not more than one-quarter of the length of the vessel from the stem.
    (b) On a power-driven vessel of 20 metres or more in length the sidelights shall not be placed in front of the forward masthead lights. They shall be placed at or near the side of the vessel.
    (c) When the lights prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) or Rule 28 are placed vertically between the forward masthead light(s) and the after masthead light(s) these all-round lights shall be placed at a horizontal distance of not less than 2 metres from the fore and aft centreline of the vessels in the athwartship direction.
    (d) When only one masthead light is prescribed for a power-driven vessel, this light shall be exhibited forward of amidships; except that a vessel of less than 20 metres in length need not exhibit this light forward of amidships but shall exhibit it as far forward as is practicable.

    4. Details of location of direction-indicating lights for fishing vessels, dredgers and vessels engaged in underwater operations
    (a) The light indicating the direction of the outlying gear from a vessel engaged in fishing as prescribed in Rule 26(c)(ii). shall be placed at a horizontal distance of not less than 2 metres and not more than 6 metres away from the two all-round red and white lights. This light shall be placed not higher than the all-round white light prescribed in Rule 26(c)(i) and not lower than the sidelights.
    (b) The lights and shapes on a vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations to indicate the obstructed side and or the side on which it is safe to pass, as prescribed in Rule 27(d)(i) and (ii), shall be placed at the maximum practical horizontal distance, but in no case less than 2 metres, from the lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and (ii). In no case shall the upper of these lights or shapes be at a greater height than the lower of the three lights or shapes prescribed in Rule 27(b)(i) and (ii).

    5. Screens for sidelights
    The sidelights of vessels of 20 metres or more in length shall be fitted with inboard screens painted matt black, and meeting the requirements of Section 9 of this Annex. On vessels of less than 20 metres in length the sidelights, if necessary to meet the requirements of Section 9 of this Annex, shall be fitted with inboard matt black screens. With a combined lantern, using a single vertical filament and a very narrow division between the green and red sections, external screens need not be fitted.

    6. Shapes
    (a) Shapes shall be black and of the following sizes:
    (i) a ball shall have a diameter of not less than 0.6 metre;
    (ii) a cone shall have a base diameter of not less than 0.6 metre and a height equal to its diameter;
    (iii) a cylinder shall have a diameter of at least 0.6 metre and a height of twice its diameter
    (iv) a diamond shape shall consist of two cones as defined in (ii) above having a common base.
    (b) The vertical distance between shapes shall be at least 1.5 metres.
    (c) In a vessel of less than 20 metres in length shapes of lesser dimensions but commensurate with the size of the vessel may be used and the distance apart may be correspondingly reduced.

    7. Colour specification of lights
    The chromaticity of all navigation lights shall conform to the following standards, which lie within the boundaries of the area of the diagram specified for each colour by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE).
    The boundaries of the area for each colour are given by indicating the corner co-ordinates, which are as follows:

    (i) White
    x 0.525 0.525 0.452 0.310 0.310 0.443
    y 0.382 0.440 0.440 0.348 0.283 0.382

    (ii) Green
    x 0.028 0.009 0.300 0.203
    y 0.385 0.723 0.511 0.356

    (iii) Red
    x 0.680 0.660 0.735 0.721
    y 0.320 0.320 0.265 0.259

    (iv) Yellow
    x 0.612 0.618 0.575 0.575
    y 0.382 0.382 0.425 0.406

    8. Intensity of lights
    (a) The minimum luminous intensity of lights shall be calculated by using
    I = 3.43 x 106 x T x D2 x K–D
    Where I is luminous intensity in candelas under service conditions,
    T is threshold factor 2 x 10-7 lux,
    D is range of visibility (luminous range) of the light in nautical miles,
    K is atmospheric transmissivity.
    For prescribed lights the value of K shall be 0.8, corresponding to a meteorological visibility of approximately 13 nautical miles.

    (b) A selection of figures derived from the formula is given in the following table:
    Range of visibility Luminous intensity of (luminous range) of light in candelas for light in nautical K=0.8 miles
    D I
    1 0.9
    2 4.3
    3 12
    4 27
    5 52
    6 94
    Note: The maximum luminous intensity of navigation lights should be limited to avoid undue glare.
    This shall not be achieved by a variable control of the luminous intensity.

    9. Horizontal sectors
    (a) (i) In the forward direction, sidelights as fitted on the vessel shall show the minimum required intensities. The intensities shall decrease to reach practical cut-off between 1 degree and 3 degrees outside the prescribed sectors.
    (ii) For stern lights and masthead lights at 22.5 degrees abaft the beam for sidelights, the minimum required intensities shall be maintained over the arc of the horizon up to 5 degrees within the limits of the sectors prescribed in Rule 21. From 5 degrees within the prescribed sectors the intensity may decrease by 50 per cent up to the prescribed limits: it shall decrease steadily to reach practical cut-off at not more than 5 degrees outside the prescribed sectors.
    (b) (i) All-round lights shall be so located as not to be obscured by masts, topmasts or structures within angular sectors of more than 6 degrees, except anchor lights prescribed in Rule 30, which need not be placed at an impracticable height above the hull. (ii) If it is impracticable to comply with paragraph (b) (i) of this section by exhibiting only one all-round light, two all-round lights shall be used suitably positioned or screened so that they appear, as far as practicable, as one light at a distance of one mile.

    10. Vertical sectors
    (a) The vertical sectors of electric lights as fitted, with the exception of lights on sailing vessels underway shall ensure that:
    (i) at least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below the horizontal;
    (ii) at least 60 per cent of the required minimum intensity is maintained from 7.5 degrees above to 7.5 degrees below the horizontal.
    (b) In the case of sailing vessels underway the vertical sectors of electric lights as fitted shall ensure that:
    (i) at least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees below the horizontal;
    (ii) at least 50 per cent of the required minimum intensity is maintained from 25 degrees above to 25 degrees below the horizontal.
    (c) In the case of lights other than electric these specifications shall be met as closely as possible.

    11. Intensity of non-electric lights
    Non-electric lights shall so far as practicable comply with the minimum intensities, as specified in the table
    given in Section 8 of this Annex.

    12. Manoeuvring light
    Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2(f) of this Annex the manoeuvring light described in Rule 34(b) shall be placed in the same fore and aft vertical plane as the masthead light or lights and, where practicable, at a minimum height of 2 metres vertically above the forward masthead light, provided that it shall be carried not less than 2 metres vertically above or below the after masthead light. On a vessel where only one masthead light is carried the manoeuvring light, if fitted, shall be carried where it can best be seen, not less than 2 metres vertically apart from the masthead light.

    13. High Speed Craft*
    (a) The masthead light of high-speed craft may be placed at a height related to the breadth of the lower than that prescribed in paragraph 2(a)(i) of this annex, provided that the base angle of the isosceles triangles formed by the sidelights and masthead light, when seen in end elevation, is not less than 270.
    (b) On high-speed craft of 50 metres or more in length, the vertical separation between foremast and mainmast light of 4.5 metres required by paragraph 2(a)(ii) of this annex may be modified provided that such distance shall not be less than the value determined by the following formula: Where: y is the height of the mainmast light above the foremast light in metres;
    A is the height of the foremast light above the water surface in service condition in metres;
    C is the trim in service condition in degrees;
    C is the horizontal separation of masthead lights in metres.
    * Refer to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994 and the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000.

    14. Approval
    The construction of lights and shapes and the installation of lights on board the vessel shall be to the satisfaction of the appropriate authority of the State whose flag the vessel is entitled to fly.
     
  3. safewalrus
    Joined: Feb 2005
    Posts: 4,742
    Likes: 78, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 659
    Location: Cornwall, England

    safewalrus Ancient Marriner

    Scot

    Well you asked for it buddy!

    The simple answer - Whilst sailing, Side lights (red and green) stern light; at that size you may want to add, on the fore mast an all round red (upper) and all round green, but you don't have too.

    When you turn the motor on you need a masthead light (white). If it all breaks down or you want to get some sleep in (naughty naughty! you must keep a lookout all the time) two all round reds one above the other! At anchor you need an all round white in the front! Pretty easy really!

    I would strongly recommend that you get hold of a copy of the "Rules" and carry them nest to the wheel all the time (study them often until they become a bad habit! Boring but essential)

    All those all round lights can either be hoisted as required but better to put an array on the foremast with the switches next the wheel and switch on/off as required - remember they are extras (bloody useful extras but still extras) You only need side and stern when sailing and add masthead for motoring! Pretty easy huh!

    In addition would recommend a BIG torch next the wheel at all times - leave you to guess why!
     

  4. Frosty

    Frosty Previous Member


    Oh I know-- to look for the dimmer switch on the instruments?
     
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