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Lights at Night

Out at night? Show a light. Lights on sunset to sunrise.

To help other boaties understand what you’re doing and which way you’re heading while you’re underway, your boat must display lights from sunset to sunrise and in rain and fog. Not using lights is dangerous and could result in a fine.

Power driven vessels underway

Over 12 metres

  • Masthead light - sidelights and sternlight.

Under 12 metres

  • May show all-round white light (instead of masthead light and sternlight) and sidelights.

Under 7 metres and speed under 7 knots

  • May show all round white light only.
  • Non powered vessels under 7 metres i.e. canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and rowing dinghies must show a white light or use a torch to indicate its presence.

Vessels under sail

Over 20 metres

  • Sidelights and sternlight only - no masthead light.

Under 20 metres

  • Under 20 metres may have combined masthead light (red/green/white) with no other lights.

At Anchor

If your boat is at anchor at night, and is less than 50 metres in length, you must show an all-round white light where it will be visible from all directions

Remember..

  • Lightbars and head torches do not count as navigation lights.
  • Navigation lights have very specific angles in order to determine if you're in a crossing or overtaking situation.
  • Lights have a minimum range of 1 nautical mile for sidelights and 2 nautical miles for white lights.

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