sailboat lighting at night

Boat Navigation Lights Rules: Illustrated Beginners Guide

When navigating at night, the lights on other boats are your first clue about the moving dangers around you. And your navigation lights are your first line of safety in avoiding collisions in the dark, and they tell others vessels what you are and what you are doing. The rules sound complex, but with a little understanding you can get the basics for any situation.

So what are the basic navigation light rules? For most small vessels, motoring requires red and green (port and starboard) lights, and a white light visible in all directions around the boat. This is almost always a stern light and a masthead light on sailboats. Boats under sail require port and starboard lights, and a white stern light. Sailboats below sixty-five feet may show a tricolor light at the masthead instead of side and stern lights when sailing.

That's it, in a nutshell. There's a little more to it, as the rules change with different sizes and there are some specifics about angles of display for the colors. Identifying other ships at sea requires more study, but the basics are the same. And it's not much trouble to make sure you've always got the proper lights on your vessel.

Infographic for Marine Navigation Lights Rules based on sailboat size

Masthead Light - a white light placed centerline on the boat showing an arc of 225 degrees with 112.5 degrees either side of the front of the vessel.
Sidelights - A red light on the port side and a green light on the starboard. They must show an arc of 112.5 degrees from centerline of the bow.
Stern light - A white light on the stern of the boat showing an unbroken arc of 135 degrees from centerline of the vessel.
All-round light - A light showing in an unbroken arc of 360 degrees.

The good news is you need not measure these angles. Any properly installed USCG or COLREGS approved light which will cover the correct arcs. If you have to replace the original light from your boat, make sure it's with an approved replacement.

Lights When Sailing

The specific rules for a sailboat under sail are in COLREGS Rule 25 and vary slightly with the size of the boat. A sailboat powering is considered a power boat and falls under in Rule 23.

Under 23 feet (7 meters) - side lights and a stern light, possible. If these lights can not be displayed a light must be kept at hand to help avoid a collision. This can be a bright flashlight.
Over 23 feet - Side lights visible to one nautical mile and stern light visible for two.
Vessels under 65 feet may combine both sidelights into a single lantern on the bow.
May show a tricolor light on the masthead instead of sidelights and a stern light. It's one or the other though, do not show these lights at the same time .
Masthead light must be visible for three nautical miles, all other lights must have a two nautical mile visibility.
Side lights must be separated.
May not show a masthead tricolor light.
Masthead light must have five nautical mile visibility, all other lights must be visible for two nautical miles.
Optional masthead lights - any vessel under sail may display a red light over a green light at the masthead with sidelights and stern light. The red over green may NOT be displayed with a masthead tricolor light. It's one set or the other.

Lights When Motoring

For all navigational purposes a sailboat under power is considered a power boat. This includes motor sailing - if the engine is on and providing propulsion you are on a power boat, even if the sails are up . This applies to navigation lighting, sound signals in fog and limited visibility, and rights of way.

Sailboats under 50 meters under power need to show:

A masthead light
Stern light

A power-driven vessel under 23 feet (7 meters) that does not exceed seven knots of speed may display an all around white light, though sidelights should be used if available.

The USCG has published its own "Rules of the Road" that are based on the COLREGS. In addition, it has rules for the "Inland Waterways" for rivers, inland lakes and the Great Lakes.

The good news is this has no impact on what you have to do with your own boat.

They mostly relate to lighting changes on towed vessels like barges and tugs. For example, a vessel towing or pushing another vessel in the ocean under COLREGS shows two masthead lights, sidelights and a stern light, whereas in Inland Waterways the towing or pushing vessel displays two yellow towing lights instead of a white stern light.

If you sail on lakes, rivers or the Great Lakes where towed commercial traffic is common you should learn the inland lights, but coastal or ocean sailors will never see these.

When you anchor outside a designated mooring field, you should display an all around white light at the masthead or as high in the boat as practical.

If your boat is large and has a very tall mast, you may wish to display another light closer to the waterline. Boats approaching in the dark may not see a light on a mast sixty or seventy feet in the air when they are close to your boat.

We use a simple garden path light on our stern when we anchor, left in a rod holder or flag socket. It comes on automatically at dusk and is a cheap and easy way to be more visible. There is no specific rule stating you can not display more lights than required, or the nature of any lights beyond the required all around light.

The COLREGS also specify that a round black "daymark" should be displayed in the rigging of any vessel at anchor. Very few small vessels observe this, however it is the correct display for a vessel in an anchorage.

If you tie to a mooring in a marked mooring area you are not required to display anchor lights, but there is no harm in doing so.

The other important reason to know your lights is to figure out what's going on around you at night. The water may be ablaze with white, red, green and other lights at night and they are your first key to avoiding collisions and problems.

All combinations of lights for fishing boats, commercial vessels, and so on are outside this post‘s scope. The odds are small you will encounter a submarine, seaplane or hovercraft at night, but there are regulations regarding specific lighting for each of those vessels!

There are a few fundamentals to help you figure out what that is you see on the horizon, which way it is going, and whether it is a danger to you.

Port Wine is Red

The fundamental rule is that red sidelights will ALWAYS be on the port side of a vessel, and green lights will always be on starboard. However, some vessels can use all around red and green lights for other purposes, though those will be higher than sidelights.

The light‘s on a ship is not important, some large tankers and freighters will have their sidelights far aft and put them on the superstructure for better visibility. It is not safe to assume that sidelights you can see are on the bow of large vessels .

When you can see the color, you know which way the bow is pointing. If it's red, it's pointing more or less to the left and will travel in that direction. A green light shows it is heading more or less to your right.

If you can see the red and green lights at the same time, you are looking directly at the bow of the vessel. When you are far away, this isn‘t as alarming as if you are close crossing. Seeing red and green lights together on a vessel is something you never want to see for long.

Be aware of red and green lights used in combination with other red, green and white lights. These may not be running lights and could have other significance.

Tankers, Freighters and Large Ships

Tankers, freighters and large ships will have side lights, a stern light and a masthead light. In addition, on vessels over 50 meters there will be a second masthead light further aft and higher than the forward light. The masthead light positions are a better tipoff to the bow direction and how far from the bow the sidelights might be. Remember - on a large vessel the sidelights may not be at the bow or even close to it.

USCG Inland Rules allow for a second all-around white light on large vessels on the Great Lakes instead of a second masthead light.

Fishing Boats

Fishing boats engaged in fishing will have more complex light displays. When they aren't fishing, they will show lights like any power vessel, but Rule 26 spells out light combinations that vary by the fishing activity being done. In general:

Boats which are Trawling but not making headway will display a green all-around light over a white all-around light , and a masthead light aft of these lights. Boats making headway while trawling will show these lights, plus sidelights and a stern light.
A vessel fishing other than trawling will show a red all-around light over a white all-around light . When making way they will also show sidelights and a stern light.
If a vessel has gear more than 150 meters away from the boat, it will show a second all around light in the direction of the gear. The best rule is to give fishing boats as wide a berth as you can at night. They're easy to pick out if you check the top light configurations but their course may be difficult to predict.

Towing and Pushing

Towed vessels can be the most dangerous to cross, but they have the most lights to tell you what is happening. Refer to COLREGS or the USCG Rules of the Road Rule 24 for all combinations You can pick a tow/push vessel out with the following lights:

Two or three masthead lights in a vertical line. Three masthead lights shows a tow over 200 meters. Additional masthead lights may show for larger tow vessels.
A towing light (yellow light with the same characteristics as a stern light) directly above the stern light.
The will also have side lights and a stern light.
The towed vessel will show sidelights and a stern light. Lighting may vary under USCG inland rules, where towing lights may replace stern lights. Learn these differences if this is your regular cruising ground. If you think there is a tow ahead of you, always go well behind the aft most set of lights. Never go between a tow and avoid crossing ahead if possible as it may restrict their maneuverability.

Special Situations

There are several rare situations you may encounter. As a general rule, if there are a lot of lights and you don't understand them look for the sidelights on a moving vessel. If you can find them and figure out the direction it is moving, it makes the vessel easier to avoid. Stay well clear of lights you do not understand if you can avoid them without risk.

Most of these signals are used by larger, commercial vessels and you will not need them.

They use these light combinations with other light combinations. For example a towing vessel may also be restricted in maneuverability, and a vessel constrained by draft will show running lights if moving.

Not Under Command - two all around red lights in a single line
Restricted in Ability to Maneuver - red, white then red in a single line
Constrained by draft - three all around red lights

Pinterest image for Boat Navigation Lights Rules: Illustrated Beginners Guide

You may also like, 17 sailboat types explained: how to recognize them.

Ever wondered what type of sailboat you're looking at? Identifying sailboats isn't hard, you just have to know what to look for. In this article, I'll help you.

Cruising yacht with mainsail, headsail, and gennaker

The Ultimate Guide to Sail Types and Rigs (with Pictures)

Own your first boat within a year on any budget.

A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates . I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content.

Ready to Own Your First Boat?

Just tell us the best email address to send your tips to:

Boat Lights At Night (The Rules For Safety)

Boat navigation lights at night are used for safety. They are designed so they can be seen easily. Boat lights vary according to boat type and size, boat use, navigation area, and geographic location. Boaters should learn boat light meanings and keep up-to-date on boat light requirements.

Boat navigation lights indicate a boat’s heading (Aspect) and what it’s doing. The boat’s red and green lights show the boat’s port and starboard sides. Let’s explain boat light type, actions, and requirements in detail.

Types of Boat Lights

Boating safety starts with proper boat navigation lights. If you are a boater, it’s important to understand the 4 types of common navigational lights on your vessel so that you can be seen by other boats in the water and avoid accidents or running aground.

Boat navigation lights are split into four groups. There are Sidelights, Stern light, Masthead light, and All-Round light.

Sidelights show Red or Green to other vessels approaching from the side or head-on, while stern light only points out white light when you’re coming up behind someone else’s boat.

Masthead light should be mounted high on a vessel’s aft-most part of the structure that extends above deck level. The masthead light is a requirement on all power-driven vessels. It shines forward and to both sides and the color of this light is white.

The boat’s all-around white light is on the mast, stern, or somewhere else on the boat. This light can act as an anchor light when a boat is anchored.

Boat Navigation Light Color

Masthead light color – White
Port sidelight color – Red
Starboard sidelight color – Green
Stern light color – White
All-Round light color – white

Boat Light Visibility Range (Minimum)

Side lights; Boat < 12m (39.4 feet) – At least 1 NM
Masthead light; Boat < 12m (39.4 feet) – At least 2 NM
Stern light; Boat < 12m (39.4 feet) – At least 2 NM
All-Round light; Boat < 12m (39.4 feet) – At least 2 NM
Boat < 20m (65.7 feet) – Masthead light at least 3 NM; Other light at least 2 Nm
Boat > 20m (65.7 feet) – Masthead light at least 5 NM; Other light at least 2 Nm

Boat Navigation Lights Indicate W hich Side ?

Your boat’s navigation lights will basically tell you what side of the vessel is a port and which side is starboard. The red light indicates a vessel’s port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel’s starboard (right) side. Stern light is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel. Masthead Light shines forward and to both sides.

What Are Boat Lights Used For ?

Boat lights are typically used to guide boaters at night, but they can also be used for a number of other purposes. They can help you and other boaters determine which is the give-way vessel when encountering each other on the water during periods of restricted visibility such as fog or rain. So never forget boat lights at night — boat lights make you and others visible at night on the water. They are used only for boat safety purposes.

Boat Lights and The Law

To navigate safely in the water, vessels are required to show proper navigation lights. There’s no need to worry about boat lights being an inconvenience because they must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of limited visibility.

You must turn on boat lights when underway between sunset and sunrise, as well as during any period of restricted visibility such as fog, rain, or heavy snowfall. And when it is deemed necessary by any boat skipper, boat lights must be turned on during the day.

Why Do Boats Have Blue Lights?

The reason boats have blue lights is to signify that they are law enforcement vessels. They may display a flashing blue light when engaged in direct law enforcement or safety activities, so as not to interfere with the visibility of their navigation lights.

What Does a Single White Light on a Boat Tell You?

When you see a single white light on the horizon, it may mean that you are overtaking another vessel. In order to avoid collisions and other mishaps, give way to either side of the boat. Also, one single white light could mean that the other boat is at anchor.

What Does a Red Flashing Light Mean on a Boat?

A red flashing light means that it’s a WIG boat.

What Size Boat Requires a Stern Light?

If your boat is 39.4 feet or longer, make sure to get a separate masthead light and stern light. However, If you’re on a power-driven boat less than 39.4 feet in length, then the masthead and stern light may be combined into a single all-round (360 degrees) white light.

Where to Put Navigation Lights on a Boat?

Masthead – over the centerline of a boat (seen ahead from 225 degrees)
Stern – near the stern, lowest height on a boat (seen 135 degrees from behind)
Side – port/left side and starboard/right side (112.5 degrees sides arc)
All-round – over the centerline of a boat (360 degrees arc)

Safety Tips When Using Boat Lights

– Must be turned on when underway between sunset and sunrise

– Should be turned on when in poor visibility

– Must be turned on when deemed necessary

– Must be mounted in such a way that boat lights are not obscured by any other obstructions

– Used for boat safety only

– Can never be used as floodlights

– Must be mounted in such a way that the other boat operator can see them clearly

– Should be properly illuminated at all times

– Must be mounted securely

– Must never be covered by boat covers or other obstructions

– Should be turned off when a boat is at anchor (Turn on anchor light)

Boat lights are more than just a way to see where you’re going at night. They can be used to communicate with other boats, and they can help you avoid collisions.

Boat lights are essential for safe night boating. They help other boats and vessels see your boat, and they also help you see where you’re going. There are different types of boat lights available, and it’s important to choose the right ones for your vessel.

What Are the Most Popular Boat Lights?

Here’s a look at some of the most popular boat lights and what they offer.

LED Boat Lights: LED boat lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. They’re also much brighter than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them ideal for night boating. Many LED boat lights come in waterproof versions, so you don’t have to worry about them getting wet if you encounter rough waters.

Solar Boat Lights: Solar boat lights are a great eco-friendly option since they’re powered by the sun. They typically have built-in batteries that store solar energy during the day so that the light can shine at night.

Battery-Powered Boat Lights: Battery-powered boat lights are another popular option, especially for smaller boats. These lights typically use either disposable or rechargeable batteries, depending on your preference. Some battery-powered models even come with solar charging capabilities, so you can keep them charged even when there’s no sun available.

What Lights Should Be on When Boating at Night?

There are many different types of lights (including navigational lights) that are required or recommended to be used when boating at night. The type of vessel, the size of the vessel, and the area in which the vessel is operating will all play a great role in what specific lights need to be used. In general, however, there are a few basic rules that apply to all kind of vessels.

All these requirements exist so that other boats can easily identify your vessel and know its intentions (whether it is stopped, coming towards them, or moving away). By following these simple guidelines you can help keep everyone safe on the waterway.

Which Side of a Boat Has a Red Light at Night?

The side of a boat with a red navigation light at night is the port side. The port side is the left side of the boat when you are facing forward.

When Boating at Night What Does a Single Green Light Mean?

When you see a single green light, be sure that you are approaching a sailing vessel. In this case, you have to take action and you must give way. Remember, A sailing boat is always the stand-on mode except when it is going to overtake you.

What Lights are Required on a Boat at Night in Florida?

In Florida, boaters are required to display a white light visible in all directions from sunset to sunrise. Boats must have a white light visible from 360 degrees whenever they are safely moored or anchored away from jetty.

Boat Lights at Night: A Guide to Safe Sailing in the Dark

A luxury yacht with lights and a hot tub sailing in the sea at night

1 Safety Considerations
2 Necessary Lights for Boating at Night
3 Understanding the Importance of Visibility
4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
5 Conclusion

The summer months of the year bring hours of sunshine, giving boaters plenty of time to explore during the day. When the sun sets, safety becomes a priority for anyone operating a boat in the dark. It’s crucial to know which boat lights must be on and how to stay visible and safe while sailing at night.

We’ll provide all the essential information you need to make sailing at night a safer and more enjoyable experience. You’ll get an overview of the different types of boat lights available and tips for staying safe and visible while sailing in the dark.

Safety Considerations

Safety should always be the top priority of any sailor, regardless of the time of day. When boating at night, you must know the rules and regulations in your designated area and familiarize yourself with the navigation equipment on most vessels. Understanding these regulations and investing in additional equipment can make a big difference in ensuring a safe voyage.

It is essential to understand the local laws and regulations regarding boating at night and what lighting you need for each vessel. Boat operators should also be aware of their speed limits, acceptable waterway passage areas, and any potentially hazardous areas they should avoid.

In addition to staying knowledgeable about local regulations, your navigation equipment should be up-to-date and functioning appropriately. Marine vessels typically come equipped with depth sounders and radar systems, but investing in additional accessories can further increase visibility during nighttime sailing. This equipment can include GPS chart plotters or portable AIS receivers, which can help navigate safer routes and alert boat operators of nearby vessels.

Necessary Lights for Boating at Night

Depending on illuminated waters after dark, boat light illumination is necessary for all recreational vessels. Boats must display three main types of lights, including bow, stern, and riding lights.

The bow light indicates to other boats where your vessel’s direction is facing, appearing as a green light on the starboard side and red on the port side when looking forward from the rear. It is important to note that this light should only be visible from directly ahead or nearly directly ahead of the vessel itself. It must have a wide enough angle range for optimal visibility while ensuring it is not too bright or blinding for other boats passing by.

The stern light works similarly to a bow light, except it shines from the back end of a vessel, making it easier for oncoming boats to identify your direction. Per maritime law, this light should also appear white but visible from behind only, ensuring no unnecessary glare toward other boats or obstructions ahead.

Riding lights, or masthead lights, provide additional visibility for your vessel. These lights indicate the vessel’s length according to measurements determined by maritime law enforcement officers. This type of light usually appears as white but occasionally has a blue tint depending on individual regulation standards in your area.

Understanding the Importance of Visibility

When selecting boat lights, it’s crucial to consider their wattage output or bulb type to ensure optimal visibility in dark environments.

Colored boat lights are often found on vessels and can come in white, blue, or red colors, each serving a specific purpose based on the laws at sea. White lights generally have a stronger output compared to other colors. Blue lights are more effective underwater, and red lights can mark specific areas within narrow channels, among other uses.

In addition to colored boat lights, reflective materials like tape can upgrade the common areas on ships, such as rails or posts. These materials help draw attention to the vessel’s proximity to other nearby ships and enhance safety.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Proper maintenance of boat light systems is crucial to keep operating costs low, especially when dealing with high-wattage fixtures commonly found in the marine environment. Regularly maintaining these systems throughout their lifespan is essential.

One critical maintenance aspect is storing boat lights properly during off-season storage periods. It is crucial to ensure that each unit remains dry. This storage is necessary to preserve their longevity and ensure their functionality when powered back on. Moisture buildup can lead to short circuits, malfunctions, and damage to the light’s components.

You should follow basic troubleshooting methods as part of routine maintenance. This maintenance includes cleaning off any corrosion and regularly checking bulb connections. These steps should become a natural course for anyone embarking on nighttime sailings or exploring uncharted territories.

Proper illumination is crucial for safe and legal boating at night. All boats need to have adequate lighting regardless of their size and capabilities. Following maritime laws and regulations related to navigational requirements and using the correct boat light format enhances safety for everyone on maritime travels. The mastery of navigation skills and adherence to these standards will continue to uphold the honor and legacy of future generations.

Article Contributors

Sail magazine review team.

SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. The SAIL Magazine editorial staff is not involved in the creation of this content. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The SAIL Review Team is composed of authors, editors, and sailors. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

To ensure questions about product testing or a specific article are addressed, please contact [email protected]

How Should a Sailboat Be Lit At Night? (Expert Advice You Need To Know)

Are you a sailboat enthusiast looking for ways to ensure your vessel is properly lit at night? Our expert advice will provide you with the information you need to know.

From US Coast Guard regulations and lights for longer vessels, to testing lights and the advantages of searchlights, we will cover all the details necessary for proper illumination.

Well even give you some tips and recommend the best accessories to help you navigate the night.

Lets get started on how to light your sailboat at night!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

At night, a sailboat should be lit according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

This includes displaying a white light at the masthead, a white light on the port side, and a red light on the starboard side.

Additionally, a stern light should be visible from the rear of the boat, and a deck light should be used to show the length of the boat.

Finally, a 360 degree all-round light should be used to show the boat has a length of less than 50 meters.

US Coast Guard Regulations for Sailboat Lighting

When it comes to sailing at night, it is essential to have proper lighting on board your vessel.

According to the US Coast Guard, all sailboats should be equipped with at least one all-round white light that is visible at a distance of two miles.

This light should be at the highest point on the boat and should be able to be seen from all directions.

Additionally, if a sailboat is longer than 39.4 feet, it should also be equipped with a masthead light, red/green sidelights, and a sternlight.

These lights should all be visible from a distance of two miles and should be arranged in a specific order in order to clearly identify the direction of the vessel.

All of the lights should be kept in good condition and should be tested regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.

It is also recommended that any sailboats that are out after dark should also be equipped with a searchlight.

This will help other vessels identify the boat’s position and its direction of movement, ensuring the safety of all sailors.

It is important to remember that the lights should be clearly visible and should not be obscured by any other objects or sails.

Additionally, if you are sailing in an area with other boats, you should be aware of their lights as well.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your sailboat is properly lit and can be seen from a distance.

Necessary Lights for Longer Vessels

When sailing at night, it is essential for all vessels to be properly lit.

This is especially important for sailboats, which can be difficult to spot due to their low profile and lack of power.

The United States Coast Guard recommends that sailboats be equipped with certain lights to ensure that they can be seen from a distance of two miles.

For vessels that are longer than 39.4 feet, they should be outfitted with a masthead light, red/green sidelights, and a sternlight.

These lights should all be visible from a distance of two miles, and should be arranged in a specific order so that they can clearly identify the direction of the vessel.

It is important to remember that these lights should be in good condition and should be tested regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Additionally, it is also recommended that long sailboats that are out after dark should also be equipped with a searchlight.

This will help other vessels identify the boats position and its direction of movement.

A searchlight can be particularly useful in areas with a lot of traffic, as it ensures that other vessels are aware of the sailboats location.

Proper lighting is essential for a safe and enjoyable sailing experience at night.

By following the recommendations of the United States Coast Guard, sailboats can ensure that they are properly lit to ensure that they are visible from a distance of two miles.

Furthermore, the addition of a searchlight can also help other vessels identify the boats position and its direction of movement, making it easier for them to navigate around the sailboat.

Testing Lights Regularly

When it comes to sailing at night, it is important to ensure that your boat is properly lit.

This means not only having the correct lights, but also testing those lights regularly to make sure they are functioning properly.

According to the United States Coast Guard, any sailboat out after dark should be equipped with all-round white lights, masthead lights, red/green sidelights, and a sternlight, all of which should be visible from a distance of two miles.

Furthermore, these lights should be arranged in a specific order to clearly identify the direction of the vessel.

Testing your lights regularly is the best way to ensure that they will work when you need them to.

This means checking for any cracks or damage that may have developed over time.

Additionally, it is important to make sure that the lights are still functioning properly, as the bulbs can burn out over time, leaving you without the necessary illumination at night.

It is also recommended that any sailboats that are out after dark should be equipped with a searchlight.

This is especially important when navigating in unfamiliar waters, as it can help prevent collisions with other vessels.

By testing your boats lights regularly, you can be sure that they will be working properly when you need them.

This will help ensure that you are visible to other vessels, and that you can clearly identify the direction of your boat.

Additionally, having a searchlight onboard can give you an extra layer of protection while sailing in unfamiliar waters.

Searchlights For Extra Visibility

When sailing at night, it is important to ensure that your boat is properly lit for other vessels to identify your position and direction.

One of the most important pieces of equipment for night sailing is a searchlight.

It is recommended by the United States Coast Guard that boats sailing after dark should have a searchlight in order to make themselves more visible.

A searchlight is a powerful light that can be aimed in a particular direction to indicate the position and direction of the boat.

The light is made up of a powerful lamp, a reflector, and an aiming mechanism which allows for the light to be focused and directed.

Searchlights can be powered by either electric or battery power and can be mounted on the mast or stern of the boat.

The searchlight should be powerful enough to be seen from a distance of at least two miles, just like the other required lights.

It is important to make sure that the searchlight is in good working condition and is tested regularly, as it is the most important light for identifying the boats position and direction in the dark.

The searchlight also serves as an extra level of safety for the boat and its crew, as it can be used to identify other vessels in the vicinity and to determine their direction of movement.

In conclusion, a searchlight is an essential piece of equipment for any boat sailing after dark.

It is important to make sure that the searchlight is in good working condition and has been tested regularly.

With a searchlight, other vessels will be able to easily identify the position and direction of the boat, providing an extra layer of safety and helping to ensure safe night sailing.

Advantages of Searchlights

Searchlights offer a number of advantages to sailboats that are out after dark.

They can help other vessels identify the boats position and its direction of movement, making it easier to avoid collisions.

Additionally, they provide a convenient way to scan for other vessels, buoys, and other obstacles in the water.

Searchlights also offer greater visibility in foggy or low-light conditions, helping the boats crew to maintain better situational awareness.

Finally, they can also be used to signal to other boats, as many searchlights come with a variety of colors and patterns, allowing for more effective communication.

All in all, searchlights can make sailing at night easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Tips For Proper Illumination

When it comes to properly lighting up your sailboat for night sailing, there are a few key tips to keep in mind.

First, always be sure to equip your boat with the required lighting.

The United States Coast Guard requires that sailboats be equipped with at least one all-round white light that is visible from two miles away.

Additionally, vessels longer than 39.4 feet must also be equipped with a masthead light, red/green sidelights, and a sternlight.

All of these lights should be visible from two miles away and should be arranged in the proper order to clearly identify the direction of the vessel.

Second, be sure to regularly test and maintain your lights to ensure they are in working condition.

The lights should be tested at least once a month and any faulty or damaged lights should be replaced immediately.

Additionally, it is a good idea to clean and polish the lenses of the lights every few months to ensure they are not obstructed by dirt or dust.

Finally, if you are out sailing after dark, be sure to also equip your boat with a searchlight.

This will help other vessels identify your boats position and its direction of movement.

It is also a good idea to carry a few spare bulbs for your lights in the event of a malfunction.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your sailboat is properly lit for night sailing.

Be sure to always adhere to the regulations set forth by the United States Coast Guard and always practice safe sailing.

Recommended Accessories

When it comes to sailing at night, it is important to make sure your boat is properly lit.

According to the United States Coast Guard, sailboats should be equipped with at least one all-round white light, which should be visible from a distance of at least two miles.

Additionally, any vessel longer than 39.4 feet should also be equipped with a masthead light, red/green sidelights, and a sternlight.

These lights should all be visible from a distance of two miles, and should be arranged in a specific order to clearly identify the direction of the vessel.

All of these lights should be kept in good condition, and should be tested regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.

This will help other vessels identify the boat’s position and its direction of movement.

In addition to these necessary lights, there are a few other accessories that can make sailing at night safer and more enjoyable.

A deck light is a great accessory to have on board as it will help light up the deck and make it easier to see any potential obstacles.

Additionally, it can be used to help locate items that may have been misplaced.

A strobe light is another great accessory for night sailing, as it can be used to signal for help in an emergency.

It is also wise to have a set of navigation lights, which will make it easier to identify your boat as you sail in the dark.

Finally, having a handheld flashlight or headlamp on board can be invaluable in case of an emergency.

By making sure your boat is properly lit and equipped with the necessary accessories, you can ensure that your night sailing experience is safe and enjoyable.

With the right precautions and preparation, you can make sure that you and your crew are well-prepared for any potential hazards that may arise while sailing in the dark.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, sailboats should be properly lit at night to ensure the safety of the vessel and those on board.

The United States Coast Guard has specific regulations for sailboat lighting that should be followed.

Additionally, any vessels longer than 39.4 feet should be equipped with a masthead light, red/green sidelights, and a sternlight.

It is important to regularly test these lights to make sure they are functioning properly.

Searchlights are also recommended for sailboats that are out after dark, as they can help other vessels identify the boat’s position and direction of movement.

By following these tips, you can make sure your sailboat is properly lit at night and ensure a safe journey.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

The USCG says You’re a Power Boat Whether You Like It or Not

Much to the consternation of many a sailor who has earned a commercial license to drive their sailboat, when you received your credential from the USCG it says you are a master of steam and power across the top with no mention of wind as a source of propulsion.

It is not until you read the back pages of your little red book that feels like a passport and looks like a US Sailing credential, that you will see the term “sail auxiliary”. That is because most of the time the U.S. Coast Guard knows that you are primarily reliant on your mechanical power to propel your vessel.

It's a sad thing, but the days of commercially viable sail boats are done and all but the most select few even have sails let alone use them as their primary power source. All sail boats by law are powerboats, but not all powerboats are sailboats.

Navigation Lights for a Power Boat

As a power boat, you are required to show certain lights and have been required to do so before power was even invented.

In the days of man powered vessels like the viking ships who relied on oars while in close quarters to power their vessels, they needed to show other boats, friend or foe, where they were by showing lanterns in the dark to identify themselves. As you know, it is a time honored rule among all the nations of the world both past and present, that you must avoid a collision at all costs while at sea and even the viking knew that you should not run into things.

By lighting the front and back of your boat, you could warn other boats of your presence as well as identify which way you were heading. As such there is a very specific rule in the Code of Federal Regulations Number 46 (CFR46 by common name) that spells out with detail how many, the color, the luminosity or brightness, the angle of visibility and the location of all of the lights required for navigation on every single boat, seaplane, submarine and other nondescript vessel conceived by man to date that they must show while underway in reduced visibility.

And there is no flexibility in the rules.

As such a power boat, and by extension all sailboats, MUST, without question show one green light on the starboard bow and one red light on the port bow and one all around white light or lights while operating in reduced visibility. These lights should shine at all 360 degrees of visibility with the bow lights shining at an angle of dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam and the stern lights shining 225 degrees dead aft. A forward facing masthead light that is white in color shall shine forward to comply with the directive that all vessels must carry an all around white light. For more read here .

As you can see, there isn’t much wiggle room when it comes to lights that must be shown.

Sailboats get a little flexibility with lights

Sailboats however, are a little different when they are in fact sailboats, which is only when you are entirely reliant on the wind for power and in no way reliant on any mechanical or manual means of propulsion. And for good reason.

Back in the day when men were men and sailboats were wooden, fire was a major concern. Sails were coated with wax and other flammable substances and the wood on boats was saturated with oils and grease. Even the ropes were plant materials saturated with oils to keep them pliable and strong.

Add those highly flammable substances to a parching environment like the sea and you had what was essentially a giant floating tinderbox.

Then tell that giant floating tinderbox that they need to identify themselves to the world at large at night using oil lamps with flames because batteries and lights were not invented yet. It didn't take very long or very many ships burning to the water line for the Governments to say to the sailboats, you get to do things a little different.

As such, sailboats are given special dispensation when it comes to lights aloft. They don't have to show an all around white light in their rigging because no one wanted to set their rig on fire with oil lamps 60 feet up in their rig.

However, when a sailboat takes their sails down such as when they are powered or at anchor, they must resume the display of an all around white light or lights aloft. That became a real challenge with aluminum masts and the disappearance of rat lines on the shrouds because there was no easy way to climb the rig and check the bulbs up the mast on a regular basis.

Red over Green Sailing Machine

I have no idea where the history of this particular light comes from, but if you ever take a deck exam with the USCG, you better remember this mnemonic. An all around red light over an all around green may be displayed on a vessel during times of reduced visibility to indicate that a vessel is operating under sail power alone.

I won’t even speculate on how or why they came up with this particular light configuration, but if you want to use these lights as a sailing vessel, you can do so, but that means that you will need three all round lights at the top of your mast, an all around white, an all around red and an all around green, just in that order.

The red over green is to be displayed in addition to the running lights or the red and green bow lights with the 225 degree stern light. As always, when the motor comes on, so does the steaming light or the forward facing white light that is also usually about ¾ of the way up on your mast to complete the requirement of an all around white light that indicates a power vessel.

What is a “steaming light” and why are you mentioning it now?

Most sailboat electrical panels will have a switch that is labelled “steaming light” and it will only come on when your anchor light is off. This is probably the most confusing part of sailboat navigation lights so if you are confused about this, you're in good company as most people are.

A “steaming” light is named thusly, going back to the days of steam powered sailboats where when they fired up their boilers and doused the sails, they became a power boat once again. There aren’t too many steam powered boats, let alone steam powered sailboats, but the name stuck and it is a vestige of a bygone era.

Either way, when you fire up your motor, you turn on your “steaming light” and that locks out the all around white light which is used for anchoring to minimize the number of switches on your panel and reduce the number of wires in your mast. The fewer wires, the less chance of something not working or becoming disconnected.

The steaming light and the anchor light both go up the mast, but you can’t use an all around white light while using the 225 degree stern light at the deck level because to other boaters you would look like you have two white lights from the stern and that would be confusing.

The anchor light is used exclusively for anchoring while the steaming light is used to indicate you are a power vessel while underway.

As to why I am mentioning it now in the article, is because this would have blown your mind if I started with this subject cause it can be really confusing stuff.

Aspect Recognition with Lights

Remember when I said earlier that lights can help you tell others which way you are heading as well as tell you which way other boats are heading? That is called the aspect of the vessel and the USCG tests you on this for your deck exam as well.

Knowing that the bow lights go 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on both sides or 112.5 degrees on each side, and the stern light faces 225 degrees aft for a total of 360 degrees of visibility, you can tell a lot about where a boat is heading and who has the right of way.

One thing that's easy to remember is red means stop and if you see a vessel's red light, it means stop as you are the give way vessel and approaching the other vessel from his port side. Conversely it works with green as well as that means you are approaching from the other vessel's starboard side and you are the standon vessel.

If you see a red and green light equally low on the horizon, that means your heading dead on into another vessel's path and conversely if all you see is a white light low on the horizon, it means you are overtaking another vessel power or sail, we don’t care because it is an overtaking situation. However, any time you do see a white light aloft in addition to the red and green bow lights, you know you are encountering a power boat.

Then there are angular approaches as well, where you see white and red or white and green light low on the horizon. You know in that case you are seeing a portion of the bow lights and stern lights from the side approaches of a vessel. Based on which direction those lights are heading, you can deduce which way that boat is going in relation to your boat.

So put it all together and you see a green light and a white light low on the horizon with a red over green light aloft, you know that you are approaching a sailboat that is traveling to your port and that might make you the standon vessel. That is of course, if we didn’t concern ourselves with windward and leeward and port tacks and starboard tacks, but that is a discussion for another article. So stay tuned when we talk about sailing rules and the right of way. But for now, do good, have fun and sail far.

Capt Chris German is a life long sailor and licensed captain who has taught thousands to sail over the last 20 years. In 2007, he founded a US Sailing-based community sailing school in Bridgeport, CT for inner city youth and families. When Hurricane Sandy forced him to abandon those efforts, he moved to North Carolina where he set out to share this love for broadcasting and sailing with a growing web-based television audience through The Charted Life Television Network.

by this author

Navigation Lights for Sailboats (And How To Read Them)

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

Daniel Wade

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

Cost To Sail Around The World

May 16, 2023

How To Drive A Pontoon Boat

Jacob Collier

December 19, 2022

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

Best Electric Outboard Motors | Life of Sailing

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

You can't do it without the correct lights

While on land, lights are primarily there to help us see, at sea it's the other way around. All boats must be properly lit for other vessels to see. And, a boat doesn't work like a car either, where we shine our headlights on the road ahead to see what's in front of us. At sea we rely on navigation, nautical charts, lighthouses and the captain's knowledge.

Basic boat lights include running lights, steaming lights and anchor lights. There are clearly defined and standardized rules for lighting a ship under sail at night . So the question of how to light a yacht at night has a very simple answer. Running lights, or side lights, show other vessels where your port and starboard sides are, with red indicating port and green starboard, and you must also have a white stern light on.

Lighting the yacht at night is very important because, unlike during the day, the helmsman cannot judge the distance and direction of other boats by sight. Running lights make the position and direction of the surrounding vessels visible, as well as their approximate distance, and helps to avoid possible collisions. Radar is also highly practical in this respect, as it shows the size and distance of the vessel.

However, when sailing there can be situations where the sails need to be lowered, and with that, the lighting also needs to be changed. If travelling under motor power , a steaming light (masthead light) must be turned on , which shines at the same angle as the side lights. When a sailboat is not under sail, it has to abide by the rules set out for power boats by COLREG (The International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea).

Lighting regulations when at anchor are again different. When at anchor at sea , only the anchor light should be on . According to the regulations this could be either a 360-degree white light atop the mast, or a light suspended from the boom, above the foredeck or on a furled genoa. If the boat is moored in port, the light is not normally used.

Navigation, GPS and maps

Nowadays, GPS and navigation aids integrated into the boat or that work as mobile apps are commonly used to determine the position of the boat. Modern technology is very accurate and reliable, but it is still worth understanding, reading and checking your position on paper nautical charts . After all, almost any skipper will tell you that their GPS or navigation system has at some point told them they were on land, even when tens or hundreds of metres from shore.

Thanks to nautical charts, you will not only know of possible danger spots, but also lighthouses , enabling you to easily and accurately determine your position with the help of a compass. Each lighthouse is different, being lit and flashing in a unique way. A nautical chart will tell you how to identify a lighthouse by the number of flashes, their frequency and the colour of the light. To determine your exact position, you’ll then need two lighthouses in sight that serve as reference points for each other.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Lighthouses are not only practical, but they are often buildings with impressive architecture that are well worth stopping off at. Take a look at 15 lighthouses you must visit .

Safety is paramount when sailing at night

Even during the day, there are clear rules regarding the movement of the crew on board. Basically, the crew should not stand unless they are engaged in manoeuvres. In all other cases, they should be sitting on benches, at the side of the boat when heeling, or in the cabin. Apart from the fact that a standing crew member could obstruct the helmsman's view, it also poses a greater risk of falling overboard . If you're interested in getting to know this subject in more detail, check out our article Sailing Etiquette A to Z .

At night, the rules are even stricter to ensure the crew remain as safe as possible and avoid damaging the yacht. If a crew member is on deck at night while sailing, they should wear a lifejacket and ideally be attached to the boat with a lifebelt or harness.

Except for really experienced seafarers, the rule of thumb is that there should be at least two people on board when sailing at night. And the captain should schedule shifts so that there are always two rested crew members on board. After all, you need to be doubly vigilant when sailing at night, and staying awake all night is certainly not conducive to alertness — especially when manoeuvring or entering port. For the same reasons alcohol is prohibited when night sailing. While during the day, crew members other than the helmsman can toast Neptune or have one glass of wine or beer, drinking alcohol is not permitted during a voyage at night. By all means celebrate a successful journey upon arrival in port at a local tavern, but it definitely pays to keep a clear head at sea.

Specifics of night sailing and boat handling

Steering and controlling the boat is not particularly different during the day and at night. There are just a few nuances to make sailing that bit smoother. If you're on a vessel you know well, that’s one thing, but if you're on a charter boat , it's worth marking the sheets and other lines so that you know your way around in the dark.

Sailing at night, it is also important to assess the weather conditions well. What you would normally do during the day can be significantly more challenging at night and requires a more careful assessment of weather conditions and weather patterns. It is always better to choose smaller sails and if you have even the slightest doubt about anything, postpone the trip.

When entering a harbour or sailing close to shore, be doubly cautious. There are several risk factors. During the day, the surrounding boats, the rocks and the potential hazards on the surface and below are visible. At night you have to rely on navigation, charts and lighting. When entering the harbour, charts and GPS can provide you many clues but lights can cause issues. For example, you might get dazzled by the light from the shore, the anchor lights of other boats are easily confused with the lights on land, and, last but not least, you may encounter poorly lit fishing boats. However, if you keep in mind all of these potential risks, you will arrive safely in the harbour.

The magic of night sailing

When compared to sailing during the day, night sailing places more demands on the captain's experience and knowledge of sailing regulations. But it is also a truly romantic experience. Millions of stars glistening in the night sky and the waves sparkling in the moonlight. If you're lucky, sailing out of the mist from land on a clear night with a near full moon, it will seem almost like daylight.

Sunset at sea, a sailboat and a shining lighthouse.

If you're serious about sailing and steering your boat, there are other benefits to night sailing. Navigating at night sharpens the senses and enhances the sailing experience as well as your experience of the sea itself. It truly gives a whole new meaning to sailing. But if all you want is to just enjoy yourself, night sailing is one of the most romantic experiences you can have. Check out our article on how to enjoy romance on board a yacht charter .

Are you new to the sea? We will recommend experienced captains who will take care of you on the ship. Give us a call.

Denisa Nguyenová

Faq how to manage a night sailing.

Members Forum
Log In / Create Account

Navigation Lights at Night

by Harbor Sailboats | Dec 4, 2020 | Blog | 1 comment

Great article! Boat lights are the means of communication between sailing vessels. These lights are also a tool to let my presence known even from a distance.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Latest Blog Posts

Sailing Lessons in San Diego
Water in the Bilge
Bow Standing
Gear then Steer
2024 Club Flotilla- BVI’s

Boat Boat Go

Love Boat Party Life

What Lights Are Required on a Boat at Night? A Guide to Navigation Lights

Boating at night can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. One of the most important safety measures boaters need to be aware of is the use of navigation lights. Navigation lights are required on all boats when operating between sunset and sunrise, or in conditions of reduced visibility.

Table of Contents

Understanding Boat Navigation Lights

Boat navigation lights are an essential part of boating safety, especially when sailing at night or in low visibility conditions. These lights serve as a communication tool between boats, indicating their position, direction, and status.

To understand boat navigation lights, it’s important to know the different types of lights and their meanings. The following table summarizes the different types of lights and their characteristics:

The masthead light is a white light that is placed centerline on the boat, showing an arc of 225 degrees with 112.5 degrees on either side of the front of the vessel. This light indicates the presence of a boat and its direction of travel.

Sidelights are a pair of lights, with one red light on the port side and one green light on the starboard side. These lights must show an arc of 112.5 degrees from the centerline of the bow. The sidelights indicate the direction of travel of the boat and help other boats determine the boat’s orientation.

The stern light is a white light that is placed at the aft end of the boat, showing an arc of 135 degrees. This light indicates the presence of a boat and its direction of travel.

Boats under 12 meters in length may combine the sidelights and stern light into one fixture, while boats under 7 meters may use a handheld light instead of the required lights.

It’s important to note that navigation lights must be visible at a sufficient distance to prevent collisions. The exact visibility requirements depend on the size and type of the boat.

Types of Navigation Lights

When operating a boat at night, it is essential to have the right navigation lights to ensure safety and avoid collisions. Navigation lights are classified into four types: stern lights, bow lights, masthead lights, and all-round lights.

Stern Lights

Stern lights are white lights located at the back of the boat. They are essential for indicating the position of a vessel to other boats approaching from behind. The stern light should be visible from at least two miles away and should be placed at a height that ensures it is visible from all directions.

Bow lights are red and green lights located at the front of the boat. The red light should be on the port (left) side of the boat, while the green light should be on the starboard (right) side. These lights help other boats determine the direction of the vessel and prevent collisions.

Masthead Lights

Masthead lights are white lights located at the top of the mast. They are visible from all directions and help other vessels determine the size and type of the boat. Masthead lights should be visible from at least two miles away and should be placed at least 1 meter above the sidelights.

All-Round Lights

All-round lights are white lights that can be seen from all directions. They are used to indicate the position of a vessel when it is not under command or when it is anchored. All-round lights can be mounted on a mast or on the top of the cabin.

Legal Requirements for Boat Lights

Boat lights are required by law to ensure the safety of all watercraft and passengers. The legal requirements for boat lights are set by the Collision Regulations, which specify the types, colors, and locations of lights that must be displayed on boats of different sizes and types.

For example, power-driven boats under 39.4 inches in length must display navigation lights from sunset to sunrise. These lights must include side lights, a masthead light, and a stern light. Sailboats operating under engine power are also considered power-driven and must follow the same rules.

Boats over 39.4 inches in length must display additional lights, such as a towing light or an all-around white light. The exact requirements vary depending on the size and type of boat, as well as the operating conditions.

The table below summarizes the legal requirements for navigation lights on boats in the United States:

It is important to note that these are minimum requirements, and boaters are encouraged to go above and beyond to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the water. This might include using additional lights or reflectors, or taking other precautions such as reducing speed or avoiding crowded areas.

In addition to the legal requirements for boat lights, boaters should also be aware of the rules of the road for navigating on the water. This includes understanding the right of way, signaling intentions, and communicating with other boats using lights, horns, or other means. By following these rules and regulations, boaters can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

How to Use Navigation Lights Properly

Navigation lights are an essential tool for keeping boaters safe at night or in times of reduced visibility. Proper use of these lights is crucial to prevent collisions and ensure safe passage. Here are some tips on how to use navigation lights properly:

Always make sure that your navigation lights are in good working condition and turned on when required.
Know the required lights for your vessel size and type, as well as the rules for displaying them. Refer to the relevant regulations for your area.
Display the correct lights for your vessel’s activity. For example, if you are anchored, you should display an anchor light.
Make sure that your lights are visible to other vessels. Keep them unobstructed and at the proper height and angle.
Use your navigation lights in combination with other safety measures, such as radar and AIS, to increase your visibility and awareness of other vessels.
Avoid shining bright lights, such as spotlights, in the direction of other vessels as it can impair their vision and cause confusion.
Take extra care when navigating in areas with heavy traffic or poor visibility. Slow down and keep a lookout for other vessels.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to navigation lights on a boat, there are a few common mistakes that boaters make. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:

1. Failing to Turn on Navigation Lights

One of the most common mistakes boaters make is failing to turn on their navigation lights. Navigation lights are required from sunset to sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility. It is important to turn them on as soon as visibility becomes poor or when the sun sets.

2. Using Incorrect Navigation Lights

Another mistake that boaters make is using incorrect navigation lights. Each boat has specific requirements for navigation lights based on its size and type. It is important to know the legal requirements for your boat and to ensure that you have the correct lights installed.

3. Improper Placement of Navigation Lights

Navigation lights should be placed in the correct location on the boat. For example, the masthead light should be placed centerline on the boat showing an arc of 225 degrees with 112.5 degrees either side of the front of the vessel. Sidelights should be placed on the port and starboard sides of the boat and must show an arc of 112.5 degrees from centerline of the bow.

4. Not Checking Navigation Lights Regularly

Navigation lights should be checked regularly to ensure that they are working properly. It is important to check them before every trip to make sure that they are functioning correctly. If a light is not working, it should be replaced immediately.

5. Not Having Backup Navigation Lights

Finally, it is important to have backup navigation lights on board in case the primary lights fail or become damaged. Flashlights can be used as backup lights in case the navigation lights burn out or become damaged.

By avoiding these common mistakes, boaters can ensure that their navigation lights are functioning properly and that they are following the legal requirements for their boat.

Maintaining Your Boat’s Navigation Lights

Proper maintenance of a boat’s navigation lights is crucial for ensuring the safety of the vessel and its passengers. Here are a few tips to help keep your navigation lights in good working condition:

Regularly inspect the lights for any damage or wear and tear. Replace any broken or damaged lights immediately.
Check the wiring and connections regularly to ensure they are secure and free of corrosion. Corroded connections can cause the lights to malfunction or fail altogether.
Clean the lenses of the lights regularly to ensure maximum visibility. Dirt or grime on the lenses can obscure the light and reduce its effectiveness.
Test the lights before each trip to ensure they are working properly. This includes checking the brightness, color, and direction of the light.
Replace the bulbs as needed. It is recommended to carry spare bulbs on board in case of a bulb failure.

In conclusion, navigation lights are an essential safety feature for any boat that operates at night or in reduced visibility conditions. They help to ensure that other boats can see and avoid collisions with your vessel.

How Fast Can A Boat Go Depending On Horsepower?
How Far Can You Transmit with a 25 Watt VHF Radio? Explained
Why Height Matters: Importance and Benefits of a VHF Radio Antenna
The Legalities of Bringing Your Dog on a Boat: Understanding Local Regulations

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: 55f85f0a-e875-11ee-9d40-f0b898cc2bef

Boat Reviews

Aquila Boat Reviews
Aspen Boat Reviews
Avalon Boat Reviews
Aviara Boat Reviews
Axopar Boat Reviews
Barletta Boat Reviews
Bayliner Boat Reviews
Centurion Boat Reviews
Charger Boat Reviews
Cruiser Yachts Reviews
Formula Boat Reviews
Fountaine Pajot Reviews
Freeman Boatworks Reviews
Galeon Luxury Yachts Reviews
Intrepid Boat Reviews
Jupiter Marine Reviews
Manitou Boat Reviews
Native Watercraft Reviews
Phenom Yacht Reviews
Pursuit Boat Reviews
Sailfish Boat Reviews
Sea Ray Boat Reviews
Sea-Doo Watercraft Reviews
SeaVee Boat Reviews
Solace Boat Reviews
Windy Boat Reviews
X Shore Boat Reviews
Yamaha Boat Reviews
Boats Specs
Marine Pros
Boat Insurance
Boat Warranties
Boat Transport
Boat Towing
Marine Forecasts

Your Ultimate Boating Resource

2024 Pursuit OS 445: An Overview

Boat safety 101: exploring the serenity and adventure of boating, the moment of truth – 6 signs you need a new boat, is it possible to wakesurf on a pontoon boat, 2024 aquila 47 molokai review, 2024 sea-doo switch 13 sport review, 2024 aspen c120 review, what are the proper sailboat lights at night.

As a sailor, it is essential to be aware of and adhere to proper sailboat lighting when navigating at night. These lights are necessary to ensure safety and avoid collisions with other vessels.

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) specifies lighting requirements for different types of boats. There are different lighting rules for vessels under power and those under sail. In this article, we’ll discuss the proper sailboat lights at night.

Sailboats are required to have three lights at a minimum: a masthead light, a red port light, and a green starboard light. The masthead light is white and is located at the top of the mast. This light should shine forward and aft and be visible from 2 nautical miles away. It is important to ensure that the masthead light is not obstructed by the sail or any other structure onboard.

The red port light is located on the left or port side of the boat and is visible from 1 nautical mile away. The green starboard light is on the right or starboard side and is also visible from 1 nautical mile away. These lights should shine out from the vessel and be visible from dead ahead to 112.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side.

In addition to these lights, sailboats that are underway may show an optional stern light. This light is placed at the stern of the vessel and is white. It should be visible from 2 nautical miles away and can be used to indicate that the sailboat is underway and not at anchor.

If a sailboat is not underway but still poses a potential hazard, it should display an anchor light. This is a white light that is visible from 2 nautical miles away and should be located near the top of the mast. This light indicates that the sailboat is anchored and should be avoided by other vessels.

It is important to note that the visibility of the lights depends on the weather and other conditions. In foggy or hazy conditions, the lights may not be visible from the specified distance. It is always a good idea to maintain a lookout and be aware of other vessels in the vicinity.

Proper sailboat lighting at night is critical to ensuring safety and avoiding collisions with other boats. It is essential to understand the required lighting regulations and to ensure that all lights are functioning correctly before heading out on the water. Remember to always maintain a lookout and be aware of other vessels around you. Happy sailing!

Eco-Savvy Sailing: Expert Tips for Reducing Fuel Costs and Enhancing Your Boating Experience

Sea safety blueprint: constructing the perfect float plan for your boating adventures, 10 essential tips for fishing near private property, the benefits of using a drift sock: guidance for anglers, lure fishing: secrets for imitating live bait and attracting fish, explore the untapped depths of america’s best bass fishing spots, tackle your catch-and-release adventures with these 6 tips, outboard motor maintenance: tips for keeping your engine in top shape, the essential boat tool kit: tools every boater needs, diy boat building: 8 tips and tricks for building your own vessel, the art of miniature maritime craftsmanship: ship in a bottle, antifouling paints: a guide to keeping your boat shipshape, beginner’s guide to standup paddle boarding: tips and techniques, boating for fitness: how to stay active on the water, kayak safety: how to stay safe on the water, anchoring in a kayak or canoe: how to secure your small boat, 2024 yamaha 222xd review, 2024 sailfish 316 dc review, 2023 seavee 340z review, 2023 centurion fi23 review, gear reviews, megabass oneten max lbo jerkbait review, fortress anchors fx-7 anchoring system review, fortress anchors fx-11 anchoring system review, fortress anchors commando anchor kit review, fortress anchors aluminum anchors review, stay in touch.

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

15 Tips for Boating at Night [for Safety & Navigation]

As a new boat owner, one of the activities you may be most excited about is your opportunity to experience boating at night. This activity is rarely enjoyed by those who do not own their own boat, since most rentals often do not allow operation after dark. To enjoy it safely, however, you will need to know how to properly and lawfully operate your vessel at night.

1. Trust Your Navigation Tools

You are (at least, you should be) using relatively accurate digital navigation tools, such as GPS, chart plotters, depth sounders, and more. They should be able to help you measure and navigate effectively while nighttime boating, and you should always consider them with the appropriate weight.

If you are night boating and your instruments indicate you are misdirected, and your eyes tell you something else, you should always second guess your eyes. The water and the dark water in particular can play many different tricks on your eyes, so don’t be afraid to lean on your tools.

Beginners boating at night can easily be involved in a collision or other nighttime boating incident if they are not careful. Many beginners make the mistake of thinking they know better than their digital navigation aids, and this can end up being the reason they mistake a bell buoy for a lighthouse, and possibly put themselves and their vessel in danger.

2. Slow Down

While there are no speed limits on the water, there is an operating standard set by the USCG that the maximum speed is the top speed at which you can still safely operate your vessel. One of the most valuable nighttime boating tips is to slow down or control your overall speed.

Boat speed at night is a crucial part of nighttime boating safety. Since boats do not operate within specific predetermined paths of travel, like cars on roads, there is a constant chance that you may encounter another vessel traveling in any conceivable direction. If this meeting happens at higher speeds, it could be disastrous, since nighttime navigation is much more complicated.

You should also keep your boat speed capped to a relatively modest speed at night since your night vision can be affected by any other strong light on the water or in your cabin. This can disorient or even blind you for a time, and if you are traveling at too high of a rate of speed it could mean a collision or be run aground.

3. Use Spotlights and Searchlights Appropriately

Another of the best tips for nighttime boating for beginners is that spotlights and searchlights should not be used as frequently as you may think. It is a surprisingly common mistake for new boaters to immediately shine powerful lights on other vessels they encounter at night. This is not only unnecessary, but it can create incredibly dangerous situations.

Boats aren’t equipped with the same type of navigational lights as cars. They don’t have headlights because the reflective nature of water makes them relatively ineffective, and when they sweep across another boater, they can hamper the operator’s night vision for several minutes. This can render them unable to avoid collisions and more.

While your navigation boating lights should be on at all times when required, they should also be the only lights that are in operation during that time aside from lights on your dash or in your wheelhouse. There are additional docking lights that may be used, but they should only be used when docking, and only when in close proximity to the dock.

4. Get a Night Vision Device

One of the obvious and most challenging things about boating at night is the inability to rely on visual identification of vessels, areas, and more. When boating at night, your vision becomes accustomed to operating in low-light conditions and you will see your night vision become more useful.

The problem is, any time you look at something that causes your pupils to constrict, even the smallest LED or digital display, your night vision can be hampered for several minutes. This can be fatal in a situation where you need to be able to rely on your vision, like an emergency or in close proximity to land or another vessel.

Getting a reliable light amplification monocular can be an absolute game-changer for those who struggle with regaining their night vision even after only small exposures to dim light. These devices will gather in light from ambient lights at night, or use other types of light amplification technology to give you a black & white, or black & green night vision image.

5. Learn the Navigation Lights

US Coast Guard sets requirements for the navigation lights on boats that are required when operating at night. Not only do these lights help identify other vessels on the water, but understanding what the light requirements are can also help the operator to know what kind of vessel it is, what it may be doing, as well as a rough direction of travel.

Knowing what vessels are out there, what direction they’re heading, and what activity they may be engaged in can help keep you, your passengers, and even your entire vessel safe from potentially catastrophic harm.

For example, if you see two boats that look like they are sufficiently ar apart for you to pass between can be perfectly safe unless they have three white masthead lights in a vertical line. In this case, passing between them could be deadly, since the boat in front is towing the one in the rear. Understanding how the navigation lights are used to signify what size vessel and what it’s doing is one of the most valuable tips for boating at night.

6. Learn the Navigation Sounds

In addition to setting the regulations and standards for the requirements of boat lights at night, the US Coast Guard has also standardized the issuance and acknowledgment of navigation audio signals . These sound signals consist of either whistle or horn blasts, in varied durations and combinations, being used to communicate the intent of one captain to another.

For example, in a pitch-black navigation or shipping channel, one boat is closing the distance to another boat traveling in the same direction. To indicate their intent to overtake the slower vessel, the faster vessel sounds two long blasts and two short blasts on their horn, indicating that they will overtake the slower vessel on the slower vessel’s port side. If the slower vessel agrees, they sound the same signal.

7. Post a Non-Captain Lookout

This is crucial for any boat carrying more than just its operator. During the day, the captain or operator of the vessel has sufficient light and environmental safety to be able to manage both the safe operation and monitoring of the ship, as well as the required safety lookout duties. The high visibility distance allows the opportunity to look away periodically in order to multitask further.

While boating at night, the operator should be sure that a full-time dedicated lookout is posted to assist with safe nighttime navigation. This will reduce the risk of the captain missing something or neglecting the readings on the gauges or chart plotter. The captain is simply not capable of being a lookout with the appropriate dedication.

This also will allow the captain to take immediate action the very moment that a problem is voiced to them. If they are busy trying to be a lookout as well as captain at night, there is a good chance they will not be standing at the wheel at the time.

8. Turn Down the Ambient Light

Your night vision is going to be absolutely vital to your night boating success and ongoing safety. You gain better night vision after going for a period of time with no illumination strong enough to force the constriction of the pupils. They dilate wide in the dark in order to take in as much light as possible, and if there is too much ambient light, it can sabotage your night vision significantly.

Make sure you dim all ambient lights, screens, indicators, and so on. Even your VHF radio, if it has a backlight function, should be turned nearly all the way down, so that if a random signal comes in, it doesn’t light up your whole cabin and ruin your night vision for the next 5 minutes. Bring a towel to drape over electronics and lights that you do need periodically, and some electrical tape for lights you absolutely do not need and cannot turn off.

9. Prepare the Safety Gear

Just like with any other maritime outing, you will need to make sure you have all of the legally required safety equipment , as well as additional items that may be useful during nighttime emergencies. The requirements are determined by the length of your vessel, and apply to things like PFDs, extinguishers, and so on.

There will be a required number of personal floatation devices, which can be lifejackets or even floating seat cushions. You will be required to have a minimum number of fire extinguishers unless your vessel is relatively small and has a fixed suppression system. There are also requirements for the number and type of emergency signaling devices that you must have on board.

The most important types of these will be the nighttime SOS signaling light, and the night-use flares or pyrotechnic devices. These are incredibly important as they are going to be the most visible signaling devices at night, and will have the greatest range.

10. Listen to Your Surroundings

If you are a beginner boating at night one of the most useful things you can do now and again is to shut everything down, and listen. Sound carries surprisingly well on the open water, especially at night when the water tends to be much calmer, and whistles, horns, and engines can often be heard for a large distance around. You may be amazed at how much you can suddenly hear when your eyes aren’t being overstimulated.

Many newer boaters may not be entirely comfortable taking their own vessel out for night boating right away, which is understandable as it can feel a little daunting.

If you fall into this category, see if one of your boating friends or members of your boating club would be willing to take you out for a night trip or two before you build the confidence to take your own boat out. This can help you to develop your listening skills before you have to put them to the test.

11. Take Extra Caution Around Boat Docks

Judging distances while boating at night is one of the most challenging things about nighttime operation overall. You might see a light on the water that looks like it’s miles away, but you close the distance quickly and see that it’s only a small cruiser. Or sometimes you see a light that looks like it is too close for comfort, only to find out when you reach them on VHF that they are nearly 2 miles away.

This effect carries over into the docking process as well. Tying up to a dock can be difficult enough for newer boaters during the daylight hours, and those difficulties get a force multiplier at night. Overhead lights making sharp, stark shadows. Low light levels in general presenting a challenge for your eyes that have been soaking up the night for hours. Be incredibly careful when docking at night, and be sure to use only the smallest nudges to the throttle.

12. Pack Warm Clothing

Boating at night is so incredibly different from daytime boating, that many people do not even think about the temperature change. Even if it was in the 90s during the day while you were on the deck setting hooks or soaking up some rays, when the sun goes down it can get chilly fast.

Be sure you have brought along sufficient clothing to adjust to the lower temps at night. It is not uncommon for the air temperature to drop 20-40 degrees once the sun isn’t beating down on you.

13. Prepare the Nighttime Boating Gear

In addition to lights on boats, there are several pieces of safety gear that you should keep on hand when boating at night.

Make sure you have:

GPS/chartplotter
Sound-signaling device (easily accessible)
Signal lights and whistles tied to each life jacket
Communication devices

Even though you may not be able to get service when you’re out on the water, it’s important to keep your cell phone on you at all times. If there is an emergency or you need to contact anyone when you have signal again

A spotlight, flares, and glowsticks can all be helpful as well. If you end up using your spotlight, be careful so that you don’t blind other boaters.

Also, it is crucial that you have appropriately size life jackets for each passenger on your boat.

14. Avoid Stargazing if Possible

Being out on the open water at night, especially with a clear sky, is a unique experience, but one of the most important night boating tips is to avoid stargazing while your boat is moving.

Not only can this be disorienting, but it can also lead to vertigo and seasickness.

If you want to map the stars or stargaze, that’s perfectly fine, just be sure to do it when the boat is still to avoid dizziness, disorientation, and sickness.

Looking up at the stars can be a truly beautiful experience, but it is best done while the boat is anchored so you can really enjoy the view.

With the lack of light pollution out on the water, you can see the stars much more clearly, so stargazing is tempting.

If you do catch yourself glancing at the stars on a clear night, make sure you only look for a few seconds at a time while the vessel is in motion to avoid any discomfort.

15. Always Stay Alert

Keeping an eye out on your surroundings during the day is easy, as long as the weather is fairly clear. At night, however, it is a different story.

When you’re out on the water at night, you need to ensure you’re maintaining speeds that are safe for the conditions because challenges can pop up with minimal warning.

Rough water and the wake from other boats are some of the surface hazards, but there’s also the risk of hitting rocks and other obstacles below the surface. Ideally, you would have a lookout person onboard with you to help keep an eye on things.

While underwater hazards should be monitored, it’s more important to pay attention to the surface. Scan ahead of you for other watercraft, including canoes and kayaks. Many people enjoy nighttime water sports with no light, so it’s crucial to keep your eyes peeled for other boats on the water.

Is it safe to boat at night?

There are dangers that are present when boating at night, but as long as you are careful and have safety equipment, things should go smoothly.

What do you need for night boating?

Before you head out on your boat after dark, make sure you have all of the necessary safety equipment, as well as a boat spotlight.

Can you be on a boat after dark?

Boating at night is an activity that many people love. You can be on a boat after dark, you just need to follow night boating safety rules.

Can you put headlights on a boat?

While boat headlights may seem like a good idea, but they are not allowed. You can have a light for docking at night, but not boating.

What do 3 short blasts of a boat horn mean?

3 short blasts of a horn mean the boat is backing up. The 3 blasts are sounded when a dock is being departed in reverse.

How do you pass a boat at night?

If two boats are in a head-on meeting, both red and green lights will be visible. Boats should always pass each other on the port side.

Why do boats use red lights at night?

There are several colored lights boats display at night. Red lights are used to indicate a vessel’s port side, letting other boats know what is ahead.

What light must be shown when a powerboat is operating at night?

At night, all powerboats have to display their red and green navigation lights and either an all-around light or both a masthead and a sternlight.

What you must do when anchoring at night?

When you anchor at night, it is crucial that you display your all-around light to indicate to other boats where you are positioned.

What lights do you need to boat at night?

At night, boats must display their navigation lights. This includes their red and green side navigation as well as their masthead light.

How fast can you drive a boat at night?

The laws vary from state to state, but at night you can go between 15 mph and 30 mph, depending on where you are.

Robert Owens is the Chief of Content of Quicknav. Robert has been boating for over ten years and loves to share his experience on the water. His first boat was a dirt-cheap moderately beat up 2003 Bayliner 175, where he learned a tremendous amount about trailering, launching, docking, operating, and maintaining. He currently owns a Cruiser Yacht and is eyeing a sailboat.

8 Best Online Boating Safety Courses (2024)

Boating can be one of the most enjoyable pastimes, but it can also be deadly. Being familiar with all aspects…

Types of Boats: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

When taking into consideration the different types of boats that navigate the fresh and saltwater bodies of the Earth, the…

Boat Maintenance: The Definitive Guide (2024)

Many new boat owners are a little intimidated by the thought of the boat maintenance that they need to do….

Boating Accident Statistics in 2024 (Latest U.S. Data)

Thanks to worldwide lockdowns and social distancing, we are seeing an increase in recreational boating and related accidents. Sadly, boating…

15 Practical Boating Tips for Beginners (2024)

Those new to the boating world as well as those who are simply new to owning their own boat may…

Cabin Cruiser: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

Passengers: Maximum 10Length: 20-40 FeetTrailerable: YesBest for: Day Cruising & Overnight TripsPrice Range: $100,000-$500,000Propulsion: 2+ Outboard Engines Many boaters want…

🚚 FREE US SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $25 🚚

Boating at Night: How to Navigate Safely After Sundown

You might be doing a little late night fishing. You might have taken your honey on a romantic sunset cruise.

Or you might've simply been having too much fun on the water to realize how late it had gotten. By the time the sun started going down, you were out of time to navigate your way back home in daylight.

There are many reasons you might find yourself navigating waters at night. While it's not ideal that there aren't more hours in a day, you can still navigate safely home. Just be prepared with the right tools and these few tips.

The Basics of Nighttime Boating Safety

Cut back on the throttle. Don't rush to get home because it's starting to get late. Take a slower pace.

There could be logs or debris ahead of you that can damage your boat or even your motor. Not to mention, the shore lights reflecting on the water's surface can easily become confused with the lights shining from other boats.

In fact, you may want to check with local county or state regulations. Often times lower speed limits are enforced during the night hours, even to idle speeds.

Use an Extra Pair of Eyes

If you plan to stay out past daylight hours, bring a buddy along to be an extra pair of eyes for when you return home.

Even if you have excellent vision, your eyes can become strained and tired from constant scanning. Tap your buddy and rotate places at the helm if need be.

Listen to Your Surroundings

Hearing is the next sense you use when you have limited vision. Turn off any stereos and don't even think of using headphones to better hear your surroundings. You need to hear bells on markers and the air horns and engines of other approaching boats.

The On-board Lighting you Need for Boating at Night

Overhead lights and chart lights.

You know what it's like to walk into an unlit room and temporarily lose your sense of sight. Without going into scientific details, the rods and pupils in our eyes need some time to fully adjust to the dark. And if you've ever turned on a light switch after becoming acclimated, you know it's even worse.

Overhead lighting and cockpit lighting is nice to have specifically for reading charts, but it should be dimmed to enhance your night vision as much as possible. I recommend installing an extra dimmer switch (buy on Amazon) if there's not one already.

The majority of marine electronics have a night mode feature that allows you to have back-lit illumination and minimize harsh lighting on your eyes.

Running Lights

It doesn't matter what kind of vessel you own, but it does matter that you recognize the standard signals set in place by the U.S. Coast Guard. Understanding the lights of boats is very important for your safety.

Since it may not be too often you find yourself using the running lights. Always make certain they're working properly!

Very important to remember: The starboard green light is on your right. The port red light is on your left.

When it's dark, your running lights should be on at all times. The red and green navigation lights are located on the bow of the boat and are meant to indicate to other vessels which way they're headed toward you.

If you see only green and white navigation lights , it means you're the stand-on boat and you have the right of way. They should pass to your left, but be cautious in case the other captain maneuvers quickly or doesn't know their navigation rules.

If you see red and white navigation lights , it's coming up on your right and you should give way to the other vessel.

If you see both red and green , it signifies that the vessel is meeting you head-on.

If you see only red or only green , it's a sailboat and always gives way. Red means you pass behind it to the right. Green means you pass behind it on the left.

When you see the white light located on the boat's stern, it signifies that a stand-on vessel is in front of you or moving away from you. It may be underway or anchored , but since you can't determine what's what too well in the dark, be careful not to approach too fast and overtake the vessel. Instead, go around it on either side.

Powerboats should also have a 360-degree white light on at all times.

Three stacked white lights indicate a much larger vessel (possibly an enormous barge) that you don't want to play a game of chicken with is on the way. Allow them plenty of space and get out of their way.

You can see how important lighting will be while boating at night. Don't confuse other boaters by keeping under-deck lighting on. It's crucial that other boaters are able to distinguish between your red and green running lights.

The only exception might be if you're at a standstill watching Fourth of July fireworks and need a little extra visibility in a crowded cove.

Spotlights and Searchlights

If, in fact, you see a boat headed your way, this might be a good time to break out your spotlight. But don't flash it just yet! There's a reason boats lack headlights like automobiles. Don't flash lights directly at other boaters or you'll blind and disorient them, which only makes matters worse.

When your eyes have adjusted to the dark, shining a spotlight makes one have to first squint off the glare. You can find spotlights that are both handheld and mounted.

A fixed mount (buy on Amazon) is good for larger vessels.

I find that a rechargeable handheld (buy on Amazon) is more beneficial for smaller crafts.

Docking Lights

Docking lights may appear like your boat's headlights, but they're not quite good enough at casting long-distance beams to be proper headlights. They're properly used for close-quarter maneuvering around marinas and tight turns into slips as you're ready to toss out the boat fenders , lines and dock lines and tie 'er up.

Chart Plotters, GPS and Radars

A GPS device will help you see the direction you're headed, give you directions and can give you a scan of the coves in the area.

A chartplotter indicates where fixed objects such as buoys and markers are found, but not so much other boaters. Often, you'll find that GPS devices are integrated with chartplotters for boaters. For example, the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc is a relatively simple option with both included.

The radar is considered a very reliable tool and can indicate the distance of something in the water.

Even advanced models have a transmitter main bang effect where the pulse of other items become too close to accurately determine a proximity, which by then means you're already on top of it and it's too late.

The Simrad GO7 XSE device is one option that shows how you can have it all.

All of these are fantastic tools to assist in night navigation, but you don't want to rely on them entirely. You'll need to keep your eyes peeled too!

I recommend purchasing yourself a night vision scope (buy on Amazon) . And of course, a good old-fashioned compass could come in handy should one of your navigating instruments suddenly stop working.

How to Relax Responsibly While Boating at Night

As the old adage goes, time flies when you're having fun!

And when you're on the water, part of that fun often comes with enjoying a few beers (or whatever wets your whistle).

But it also goes without saying that, while you're relaxing and beating the heat with a few drinks, you should do so responsibly. This goes double for the captain!

Heading back in the dark already impairs your vision. Imagine doing so under the influence. It's unsafe for everyone ... you, your passengers and other boaters at any time of day or night. Be sure that you have a designated driver to get you all home if you're going to be partaking in the fun.

Always make sure you have the appropriate safety equipment any time you go out on the water. You can check out our previous post on safety equipment for boating as well as essential items to be prepared when boating to get a general idea.

Driving at night can be an enjoyable experience, and sometimes you get so wrapped up in the quiet solitude that you tend to forget your troubles. You still need to be prepared and alert to your surroundings.

If not, it could be a bad end to your perfect day on the water!

Featured Boating Safety Product

Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's air horn emits a loud blast that can be heard from 1/2 mile away. It's compact enough to store anywhere for safety and security on the water.

choosing a selection results in a full page refresh

Home » Blog » Sail » Sailing at night: tactics and tips

Sailing at night: tactics and tips

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: December 2, 2021

As an early-to-bed person, I find a night passage offers special and sublime opportunities for stargazing, precious alone time, and quiet contemplation. However, I’ve also found myself wet, cold, and not-so-quietly contemplating the lights of a ship bearing down on us. Does that tanker see us? Fortunately, after 3,000 nautical miles of trial and error while sailing from Canada to Mexico, my partner, Robin, and I have learned a few tricks that make night passages more comfortable and serene.

Feed the crew

Good hot food makes all the difference in keeping energy (and spirits) up on a night passage, especially when very little cooking is involved.

Minimize galley time – It takes three days for most sailors to get their sea legs, so we like to have no- to low-effort meals and snacks planned for those first days at sea. Less time spent in the galley also means we have more time for the boat, rest, and sleeping. To minimize galley time, we prepare all our food for the first 24 hours at sea ahead of time. One of our go-to evening meals is soup, made in advance and kept warm in a thermos on deck. After the first 24 hours, quick-to-make meals (canned soup, beans on toast, curry in a bag) are a good bet.

Splurge on fun treats – We stock a “sin bin” with trail mix, chips, and chocolate and also prepare some of our favorite nibbles (muffins, scones, cinnamon buns). Milk chocolate is good for a jolt of energy, but doesn’t keep us up past our watches.

Stay hydrated

Water is very important for keeping the mind alert on night watch. In fact, dehydration is often mistaken for fatigue.

Keep a water bottle on deck – One of our friends has a rule that anyone who yawns on the boat must take a drink of water. Every member of the crew should keep a water bottle on deck when on watch. As well as making water accessible, this is a good way to monitor intake.

Serve warm drinks – One of our favorite hot drinks is Chai tea, kept in a thermos in the cockpit. We make it by adding an inch of fresh ginger to three cups of water, bringing it to a boil, and then adding cardamom, honey, and black pepper to taste. The spices and honey give us a boost without the diuretic and stimulating effects of caffeine. Cider (the soft kind!), tea, and hot chocolate are great too.

Sleep, glorious sleep

Sleep can feel scarce when sailing overnight, but we take steps to manage it.

Sleep before leaving – First, we make sure we’re well rested before we leave. We never start a passage with a sleep deficit.

A workable watch schedule – Sailors use many different watch schedules and tailor them to the number of crew on board. To find out what works best for us, we started with shorter watches (of perhaps 1 to 2 hours) and increased the length over time. We usually sail with just the two of us (plus autopilot) and find 3-hour watches work well, but on many occasions we’ve gone to shorter watches because one of us was not able to stay alert for the full 3 hours. If you’re hand steering, definitely err on the side of shorter watches. And when you feel like you can’t keep your eyes open, it is always better to wake your partner than risk snoozing at the wheel.

Avoid alcohol and stimulants – One of the principal ways we improve the quantity and quality of our sleep on board is to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulating drugs. The half-life of caffeine is 4 to 6 hours in humans, so the chances are, someone who drinks a cup of tea at the beginning of a 3-hour watch will still be feeling the effects at the end of it. When this happens, it’s then tempting to use alcohol or sleeping pills to get to sleep. Alcohol has been proven to reduce the quality of sleep. The result is waking up feeling more tired and feeling the need for more coffee, and thus the vicious loop repeats.

Try light sleep aids – One sleep aid to consider using is the seasickness medication Gravol. Someone already taking Gravol for seasickness might consider timing the dose at one-half hour before the end of a night watch. This gives the Gravol time to kick in, aiding sleep at just the right time. By the time the off-watch is over, the Gravol has been partially processed and, you hope, the effect is less drowsiness and no seasickness. For those not taking Gravol, a cup of chamomile or valerian tea half an hour before the end of their watch will help sleep come more quickly.

Get comfy – We made sure we had a safe and comfortable sea berth by setting up a snug leecloth on a berth close to the boat’s center of gravity, where the the off-watch sleeper would feel the least motion (see “ Make your own Leecloth ,” January 2017). Earplugs and an eye mask help reduce stimuli to further aid sleep.

Staying awake

Staying awake on night watch can be difficult, but we engage in a number of activities to help us keep our eyes open.

Stay occupied – If we don’t keep ourselves lightly occupied on night watch, we find it difficult to stay awake, so we create watch routines that keep us focused and alert. Filling out our ship’s log is one such task. I’ve learned that one of the most effective things I can do to avoid dropping off is to keep my brain engaged in some light listening (podcasts, music, audiobooks) through a single earbud. This keeps me awake while I scan the horizon and listen for any changes in the boat or environment. If you’re in need of something to listen to, check out the salty audiobooks at Audioseastories.com , GoodOld Boat’s online store.

Keep moving – When I get overly drowsy, I stand up and dance in the cockpit. Though I might look ridiculous, it gets the blood moving and keeps me sharp a bit longer. If dancing is not your thing, stretching or jogging in place also works.

Set alarms – When I find I’m feeling a bit droopy-eyed, I set a wristwatch alarm to go off every 10 minutes, just to catch me in case I do accidentally doze off. Of course, if I do fall asleep, I realize as soon as I wake that my best option is to wake someone else to take the watch.

What to wear

It’s hard for me to appreciate the beautiful starlit sky when I have wet feet. I prefer to stay warm and dry.

Rubber boots and foulies –My favorite piece of gear is a 1980s yellow Mustang survival suit I picked up in a thrift store. While higher-tech options are available, I love my survival suit because it’s like wearing a giant sleeping bag on deck. I have foulies (foul weather gear), too, which are great for more active sailing, but when I’m hunkered down in the cockpit all night, my chief concern is staying warm. The other great thing about the survival suit is that I stay warm even if it gets wet. I once took a wave down the back of my survival suit and, though wet, I was warm again in less than a minute.

Buy some bum padding – Deck cushions can get in the way while sailing, so we usually stow them. I sometimes wear a pair of padded cycling shorts under my foulies to provide some insulation from the hard, cold cockpit seats.

No cotton garments! – Or atleast don’t wear them on chilly nights. When the least bit damp, cotton can get cold and clammy. We choose wool, polyester, and other technical fabrics for layering as they don’t hold moisture against the skin.

Clip in – A tether and harness are musts for enjoyment and comfort while sailing at night. We much prefer the view of the ocean from the boat than the boat from the ocean. Plus, the off-watch rests easier knowing the on-watch is tethered safely to the boat.

Warding off the green

Perhaps the number-one thing we do to ensure our comfort while afloat is avoid getting seasick. Many remedies are available, including Gravol, Dramamine, Transderm-V patch, ginger, and acupressure wrist bands. We try any drug or remedy on dry land before taking it while sailing, just in case we experience a negative side effect. One seasickness medication on the market made my vision blurry. Once you’ve found something that works for you, start taking it at least 12 hours before setting sail so it has time to properly kick in. We are often helped by spending a couple of nights in a slightly rolly anchorage before heading out.

Bits and bytes – Two pieces of technology are a boon for any sailor venturing out under the cover of darkness.

Autopilot – An autopilot helps minimize crew fatigue. Handsteering becomes far more challenging and tiring at night, when limited visibility can affect orientation. An autopilot allows for longer and more restful watches.

AIS – If you have it, AIS is a terrific additional source of information at night. It’s a great comfort to know the course and speed of the twinkly bright lights bearing down on us in the darkness. We can easily hail the vessel in question, by its name, if that’s listed on the AIS target, or by private hailing its MMSI number using the DSC-enabled VHF. Once in contact, we ask whether they can see our boat and whether they plan to alter course in the near future. We like to set our AIS alarm so we don’t miss any vessels that will approach within 2 nautical miles.

Passage planning

The decisions we make before leaving the dock undoubtedly have the greatest impact on the comfort of our night sail.

Choosing a weather window – Poor weather and sea conditions become considerably less fun in the dark, so we plan around adverse weather. We avoid night passages when the swell period (in seconds) and height (in feet) are close in number. For example, a 7-foot swell with a 12-second period will be a lot more comfortable than a 7-foot swell with a 7-second period.

Sail in your comfort zone – If you’re comfortable sailing in up to 20 knots of wind, limit overnight passages to wind conditions of 15 knots or less. Conditions can feel a lot bigger at night and so we do not push ourselves past our comfort limits, and we sleep better as a result.

Use the full moon – We’re much more comfortable on night passages when the moon is full or nearly full. All that light makes it easier to spot obstacles and we’re psychologically more at ease when we are able to see our surroundings.

Leave and arrive in daylight – The approaches to many ocean ports are littered with crab traps, long-lines,dead-heads, kelp, and other debris. We prefer to heave-to for a couple of hours rather than risk fouling our propeller attempting an entrance in the dead of night.

Passages of manageable length – If you’re new to sailing at night, it’s a good idea to slowly build up to longer and longer sails. As you start planning multi-night voyages, think about the best way to break the passages down. Many solo sailors we know choose to never sail more than one night at a time so they can pull in and have rest days after each night passage. Personally, we like trips that are three days or longer, because we find it takes that long to adjust our sleeping patterns. Experiment with different passage lengths until you find a style that leaves you feeling rested.

Strategies for sailing at night

Whether we feel safe and comfortable at night has a lot to do with how we set our sails. Proper planning makes the difference between restful slumber and a sleepless night for the whole crew.

Prepare before dark – We complete the necessary tasks —like setting the sails and organizing the cockpit — in daylight so the crew on night watch has fewer things to focus on.

Brighten up – To avoid things that go bump in the night, invest in some good lighting. We were sailing down the Mexican coast and noticed a large trawler tailing us. We tried to radio the trawler only to realize that it was our buddy-boater, Jim, who had cunningly invested in high-wattage lights that made his 35-foot sloop appear to be a much larger vessel. We’ve found red lights and headlamps help us to get around the boat without impairing our night vision.

Set sails for comfort – We don’t sleep well with a slamming mainsail on a rolling boat. We play with different sail plans and courses to make our boat as comfortable and quiet as possible. We use a boom preventer , for example, to reduce the motion and noise of the mainsail. When sailing dead downwind makes things very rolly, we’ll head up a bit for a smoother ride. Our VMG (velocity made good) might suffer, but that’s preferable to having a tired crew. When we’re dealing with light and variable wind at night, we find it well worth the extra fuel cost to run the engine, so the person below can get some sleep.

Slow down at night – We usually take in a reef before dark. We might lose some speed, but our boat is a lot more manageable if the wind picks up later — and we don’t have to put in that reef at night.

Schedule maneuvers – When possible, we plan our maneuvers, such as tacking and gybing, so we can do them before it gets dark. We schedule them for watch changes to minimize the number of times we need to wake someone mid-sleep for help on deck.

By adopting these strategies, we’ve begun to really enjoy sailing at night. In fact, we’re finding now that we even prefer it, because it means we don’t lose a day of shore time upon arrival in a new port. With the right preparation, you can make nights at sea not only pleasant, but also special and beautiful times. So make things comfortable for yourself, try some tips to see what works best for you, and then sit back and enjoy the stars.

Originally published in Good Old Boat magazine in March/April 2017. For more great how-tos and DIY subscribe to Good Old Boat magazine using this exclusive Waterborne promo code .

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Monday 7th of December 2020

try Tradional Medicines Ginger Aid Tea. Make Thermos and keep it handy when some one starts to feel queazy have them sip a cup or two of warm Ginger Aid tea. Helps settle the stomach and keeps you warm a win win.

Sunday 3rd of June 2018

While I also do just about everything mentioned in the article, as a singlehander, there are no crew changes, so making sure hot drinks (I like decaf Irish Breakfast tea with a couple of cinnamon sticks thrown in) and light snacks are within reach of the cockpit are very important. I also added glow in the dark draft strips to my sails and I've added glow in the dark stickers to the stanchion bases. I love night sailing—it's almost a religious experience being out there, sailing in calm seas under a full moon and a sea of stars above. One word of warning though, if you're new to astronomy, don't be surprised if that North Star you've been following turns out to be the 9:40 flight from Chicago...just saying.

Friday 16th of June 2017

Good article.

The very best, THE VERY BEST, anti seasick remedy for me has been Motion Ease, sold at West Marine and Walmart. After many remedies were tried and were unsuccessful, Motion Ease was the first remedy that I found successful. We were in 38+knots of wind between Nassau and Eleuthra and the cook brought sandwich "fixins" into the cockpit. I was already seasick and could only manage a slice of bread and cheese wadded up in my fist. My wife remembered I had bought Motion Ease several years before but I had never tried it. She went below and brought up the tiny bottle. I rubbed one drop behind each ear and within 15 minutes I was eating a Dagwood sandwich! The remedy is applied to the skin area behind each ear and works even if you are already seasick. About $5 at Walmart, maybe more at West Marine.

Friday 30th of June 2017

Thanks for the recommendation Jim! I've never tried Motion Ease but will definitely give it a go now.

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
Media New media New comments
Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

How do you light your cockpit at night?

Thread starter dserrell
Start date Nov 7, 2009
Forums for All Owners
Ask All Sailors

Stu Jackson

Lights Our boat came equipped with incandescent cockpit lights mounted on the SS arch. Works well. We also use a lamp oil brass hanging lamp at times. Do not need much light. Thread

Don S/V ILLusion

Lighting the cockpit and lighting for compliance with nav rules are exclusive issues which you sound like you are mixing together - which are you talking about as you mention both David? Strictly for purpose of providing ambient light in the cockpit, I've found the only good way to create wide-area light is using string lights which can be found in either 110VAC or 12VDC varieties and conveniently strung inside the bimini or dodger bows using very little power.

Don S/V ILLusion said: Lighting the cockpit and lighting for compliance with nav rules are exclusive issues which you sound like you are mixing together - which are you talking about as you mention both David? Strictly for purpose of providing ambient light in the cockpit, I've found the only good way to create wide-area light is using string lights which can be found in either 110VAC or 12VDC varieties and conveniently strung inside the bimini or dodger bows using very little power. Click to expand

Warren Milberg

I use an parafin oil lamp that I hang from a small chain under the bimini. We also use this same lamp inside the cabin. Provides a nice warm glow and enough light to do most everything except read. Bought this lamp new from eBay and was shipped from India for a total cost of $29. One of the best bargains I ever had for the boat....

Attachments

Absent a hard top or bimini, mount a small 12v light permanently to the underside of the boom. On an open boat I sold this spring (Stiletto 27) I mounted a small utillity light purchased from Advanced Autoparts (I'm sure you could find something nice and marine, but I liked the shape of this one). I shaped a piece of starboard to match the curve of the mast (passed over a table saw blade at an angle), sawed and sanded it to match the base of the light, and mounted it to the boom with screws and 5200. The wires run inside the boom to the mast, are exposed for a few inches, and then run down the mast. It is on the cabin light circuit, but has its own switch on the side of the fixture. VERY handy. It looked like a factory install when finished. You won't be able to imagine a cockpit without instant light. Would you buy a car without a dome light?

for my anchor light non my formosa i have a beautiful old oil lamp- --i found some cheepo garden lights --solar powered---from an outlet that takes in returns from costco--so these are 4-6 dollars each--lol--excellent light and cheeep and i can use many --as many as i want...for use as lights at anchor....even indoors after charging them in the sun all day!!!! i love my oil light for anchor--has fresnel lens and is visible for over 3 miles---is approved for use as anchor lamp, btw......

Light your cockpit at night in Maine & you're mosquito bait!

Cockpit lighting We have a couple of Japanese style paper lanterns that run on AA batteries. I usually just string up one of those.

Re: Cockpit lighting I just use a kerosene lantern both for my anchor light and my cockpit light when I want it. The CG does not specify the type of light just the range of visibility and a 1/2 inch wick meets the needs.

Dan Johnson

Davis... makes a handy low wattage lamp with a fresnel lens and a cigarette plug connector that can be used as an anchor light. I slip a notched plastic cup over it and hang it from a bimini crossbar for a neat cockpit downlight. Also have LED utility lights in the cockpit footwell for safe footing at night when docked (too bright to sail with).

This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

22 Tips For Boating At Night: Helpful Guide (For Beginners)

Boating is an enjoyable activity. Most people think about boating during the day while the sun is shining, but others choose to boat during the evening.

Evening boating can be an entirely new experience whether you choose to watch the sunset over the water, watch a fireworks show, go out for a late meal, or any other night time activity.

When you are out on the water during the evening, you will want to make sure you know and follow nighttime boating navigation rules.

These rules are generally similar to the navigation rules during the daytime, but they are even more important, and there are special considerations to make.

There are also some tips to follow while out on the water in the dark.

These rules and tips can be found below!

Table of Contents

1. What Speed Can I Go When Boating at Night?

When boating during all hours of the day, there may or may not be a posted “speed limit.” Also, check local regulations to see if there is a nighttime speed limit.

This does not mean that you can or should always go as fast as you can.

The navigation rule in place for speed states that a vessel’s operator should always be traveling at a safe speed.

A safe speed is defined as a speed that allows the operator to take proper and effective action to avoid collisions. That will allow the operator to stop within a safe distance that is appropriate under each circumstance or condition.

This means that the operator will need to take certain factors into account when determining the proper speed.

These factors include:

Traffic Density
Maneuverability
Background light available at night
The proximity of potential hazards
Vessel’s draft
Radar limitations
Weather conditions including wind, sea, and current
Effect of wake on other boats or shoreline

This means that during periods with low visibility, such as heavy fog conditions, storms, or at night, you should be going slower than you would go on average during the day with perfect visibility.

Remember that while you are boating at night on a body of water that doesn’t have any lights to illuminate your way, you are relying on the small lights featured on the other vessels to determine where traffic is.

For this reason, if you are going too fast and you come around a bend, you might not see another vessel in time to stop.

Even with fancy equipment and your eyes on the lookout, you will likely not see anything or anyone else until they are too close.

Always make sure you are going at a speed that will allow you to stop whenever necessary, even at a moment’s notice.

You will also want to be sure that you follow any “no-wake” zone rules during the evening and in the daytime.

It is also a good idea to go slow in rivers or other shallow water during the evening. There can be large stumps, rocks, or other obstructions in shallow water or rivers that can damage your propeller.

Navigation LIGHT Rules at Night:

Boats are legally required to be equipped with the proper nighttime navigation lights . Even if you do not intend to take your boat out at night, you will still require these lights for your boat to be legal.

These lights are also needed during other periods of low visibility, such as thick fog or intense storms.

2. Navigation Light Requirements:

There are specific lights that are required for boats during times of low visibility.

Depending on the size of boat you are operating, here are the different lights you will need:

Boats less than 39.4 feet long or 12 meters:

These boats need 1 red light and 1 green light at both the front, port, and starboard sides of the boat.

You will also need one white light that can be seen from all angles up to 2 miles away.

Boats larger than 39.4 feet long or 12 meters:

These boats will still need the same red and green lights as the smaller size.

You will also need 2 white lights, 1 at the stern and 1 at the aft, that can be seen up to 2 miles away.

You will also need a red light on your port side and a green light on the starboard side that can be seen up to 1 mile away.

Sailboats or Unpowered Boats:

Unpowered boats that are under 23 feet only need 1 white light on them. These boats can include sailboats, rowboats, or kayaks. If you choose to, you can still add the red and green lights in their appropriate place. An effective way to safely sail at night is to shine a light on your sail if you hear a powerboat. You will be readily visible to other boaters.

Larger sailboats should have lights similar to the powered boat lights on the side and the aft, but there could also have a tri-color light on the masthead that can be visible up to 2 miles away. Sailboats must display a forward-facing, white light when motoring. This is commonly called a steaming light. When motoring, sailboats must abide by powerboat rules.

Never use red and blue lights on your vessel. These lights are reserved for official vessels.

3. What Does a Single White Light Mean on a Boat at Night?

When you see only a white light on a boat, you are headed straight for the other vessel; you are overtaking that vessel.

Single White Light: If you only see the white light, the other boat is the stand-on vessel, whether underway or anchored. You should be able to go around it on either side.
White and Green Light: If you see both green and white light, you are the stand-on vessel. This means you need to stand-on and let the other boat pass on either side. Be prepared to give way in case the other vessel does not know the proper navigation rules.
White and Red Light: When you see both the red and white light, you are supposed to give way to the other vessel. You should either slow down and allow the vessel to pass, or you can turn to your right and pass behind the other vessel.
Only Red or Green Lights: If you only see a red or green light, you may be approaching a sailboat or unpowered boat. You must always give way for a sailboat. A sailboat should always be the stand-on vessel.

For additional information about the navigation light rules during the evening, you should read this article where we go into great detail about rules for lights on the boat .

4. Navigation SOUND Rules For Boating At Night:

When your visibility is cut off, you will need to rely more heavily on sound. Because of this, you should know the proper navigation sound rules.

These rules include:

Sound Signals the Indicate Direction:

1 Short Blast : this indicates that you will pass on your port side.
2 Short Blasts : this indicates the plan to pass on your starboard side.
3 Short Blasts : this indicates you intend to back up.

Sound Signals that indicate Location:

1 Long Blast : this can be used to indicate you are coming around a bend in the river or you are leaving your dock or slip.
1 Long Blast then 3 Short Blasts : this indicates you are backing up.
1 Long Blast in intervals less than 2 minutes apart indicates that you are a power vessel when you are in blind areas or heavy fog.

Sound signals that indicate Danger:

5 Short Blasts: this indicates danger and can be used to indicate a potential collision.

For additional information about the navigation sound rules, follow the link below:

https://www.godownsize.com/boats-horns-signals-explained/

5. Follow Nighttime Navigation Rules:

Navigation rules are similar at night as they are during the daytime.

The only differences are:

To reduce your speed.
To place more emphasis on following sound signals.
To know the proper light signals.

The evening can be darker with lower visibility, so it is even more important for you to know the navigation rules’ ins and outs and follow them.

A miscommunication about who has the right of way could be dangerous at any time, but especially at night.

If you cannot see other boats, you could have an issue seeing what the other boat is doing, and you could be less likely to react to them on time versus in the daytime.

Other Important Tips for Boating at Night:

There are tips for boating at night that are not necessary rules but can still help you during nighttime navigation.

These tips include:

6. Use Your Skipper:

The skipper is an important asset to have on a boat if something happens, and the operator needs someone else to take over.

In addition to this, the skipper can be very helpful while navigating at night. At night, the skipper can serve as an extra pair of eyes while boating in times of low visibility.

Even with excellent vision, your eyes can become tired while trying to see in the dark. If you get too tired, you can rotate the control of the helm with your skipper.

Your skipper can also help you look out for the lights that will be present on other boats. These can be harder to see than simply seeing the other vessel during the daytime.

An extra pair of eyes can mean that you see other vessels faster, which allows you to react faster.

Ensure you follow the navigation rules listed above when it comes to interpreting the lights on a boat.

7. Keep Your Ears Open:

With lower visibility, you should also keep your ears open while operating your vessel in the evening.

It can be beneficial to turn your radio off and make sure you are not utilizing headphones while boating at night.

You will need your ears to hear bells, markers, engines, or horns on any approaching boats.

Make sure you follow the navigation rules listed above when it comes to horn sounds.

8. Use Spotlights and Searchlights Appropriately:

Make sure that you do not immediately shine a spotlight or searchlight on a vessel.

Boats are not equipped with headlights similar to automobiles for a reason. If you try to flash your lights directly at other boaters, you could blind or disorient them.

Make sure you only use this tool when needed.

You might also be tempted to add headlights or continuously use a spotlight while out on the water. These don’t work because, unlike on the road, boats can be coming from any direction.

Also, you will be the only boat that is using a spotlight while out on the water. You will want to follow the navigation light rules that are already in place.

Spotlights can also cause an unnatural shining on the waves that can look like floats or debris, creating a sense of danger.

9. Ensure You Do Not Use Docking Lights as Headlights:

Your boat might have docking lights that look like headlights.

You will want to make sure that you do not mistake these or use these as headlights.

They do not cast as long of a beam as specific headlamps.

These lights are only supposed to be for maneuvering over close-quarter marinas or turning into docks or slips.

10. Drink Responsibly:

Whenever you are boating, but especially at night, you will want to make sure you are alert and boating safely.

This means that if you do choose to drink alcohol, you will want to do so responsibly.

Alcohol can lower your reaction time, your decision-making power and make your vessel’s operation more dangerous.

Most boating accidents are due to operator error, and many of them had alcohol involved somehow.

11. Turn Down Any Ambient Light:

It is a good idea to turn down any ambient light. Any light on your boat can reduce your ability to see off the boat.

Your eyes will adjust better to the darkness if you do not have any other light onboard your vessel.

Ambient lights can include:

The chart plotter
Courtesy lights
Electronic devices

If you cannot turn a light off, you could drape a towel over it to drown out the light.

12. Don’t Spend a Lot of Time Looking at the Stars:

It can be disorienting to look at the stars in the dark while moving.

It can also cause vertigo to look at the stars while moving. Vertigo can even lead to seasickness if you are not careful.

If you want to look at the stars or even map them, you should do this while you are not moving to ensure that you do not get sick or disoriented.

If you anchor your vessel, looking at the stars while out on the water can be a really relaxing and beautiful experience.

While out on the water, you can see the stars better than while on land. This is because of a lack of light pollution while out on the dark water.

13. Novice Boating:

If you are a novice boater, you will want to be completely sure that you can handle anything that nighttime boating can throw at you.

Being fully confident on the water can be crucial at anytime but particularly at night.

User error is one of the main causes of boating accidents. This can be because of a bad call made by the operator or by an operator who was not fully knowledgeable about the navigation rules while boating.

If you are unsure about your operator skills, you might want to consider a boaters safety class.

Operator error is drastically reduced with operators who have completed a boaters safety course.

Knowing the proper rules and regulations can help you when it comes to interacting with other vessels, and it will also help you understand how others will operate their vessels.

It can also help to have an experienced boater on board with you in case of an emergency.

What to Pack for Nighttime Boating:

It is also important to make sure you pack the proper supplies for nighttime boating.

You will also want to pack for evening boating, even if you plan to be out at night. There is always a possibility for unforeseen circumstances.

14. Pack Emergency Light Gear:

At night there will be some specialized emergency gear that you will want to have on your vessel.

This can include:

Flashlights

This is in addition to the safety equipment that you should always have on your boat .

Which includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, floatation devices, carbon monoxide detectors, and other equipment required by law.

15. Pack Warm Clothing:

It is important to pack warm clothing if you intend to boat at night.

The weather can feel chillier when the sun goes down, even on a summer’s night.

Long clothing can also help to deter bugs and the potential for insect bites.

Even if you do not end up needed the long clothing, it is better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it.

You should also have clothing in case of foul weather, such as storms.

You will also want to bring towels if you get wet, even if you do not intend to.

16. Bring Sleeping Supplies When Necessary:

If you plan to stay out overnight, you will want to ensure that you have the proper sleeping equipment.

Even on a warm summer night, you will want to have a blanket if it gets cold.

You will also want to pack pillows and other comfort items.

17. Pack Bug Spray:

Like warm clothing that can deter bugs, you should also make sure you have bug spray to keep them at bay.

Bugs are often worse at night and can make any trip uncomfortable.

Bug bites are also uncomfortable in the long term, and you might regret not properly deterring them.

18. Bring Sufficient Food and Water:

Make sure when you are out on the water you have enough food and water for your trip. Even at night, you can suffer from dehydration in warm weather.

Like mentioned, accidents and unforeseen things can happen. If you end up being stranded, you will want to make sure you have the proper nutrients to sustain yourself until help arrives.

If you plan on staying out overnight, make sure you bring the proper food and water for all passengers.

19. Bring Chart Plotters, GPS Devices, and Radars:

A GPS device can help you see the direction you are heading, give you directions, and sometimes give you a scan of the coves that might be in the area.

You can get a chart plotter or buy a GPS device that comes with a chart plotter.

Chart plotters indicate where fixed objects are. These can be buoys and markers. This does not include other boaters.

The radar is a very reliable tool that can indicate the distance of something in the water.

You can also bring and utilize a compass. This can help you find your home port or destination when you cannot use landmarks to find your destination.

These objects are beneficial when it comes to navigation, but you will not want to rely on these devices solely. You will want to keep your eye out for yourself.

20. Pack the Proper Communication Devices:

You will want to make sure you have a communication device on board your boat at any time, day or night.

Anything can happen while you are out on the water, so you will want to make sure you can get help when you need it.

It is also a good idea to have a VHF radio on board if your cell phone is unable to get service or dies.

You will also want to make sure you know the proper emergency channels to get the proper assistance when needed.

21. Don’t Forget to Enjoy Yourself!

While you are trying to remember all the proper nighttime boating rules, do not forget to enjoy yourself.

Boating at night can be an entirely new experience versus boating during the daytime.

It is often quieter and offers a different experience to daytime boating.

Some unique experiences you can have during a nighttime boating outing includes:

Watching the sunset.
Looking at or charting the stars.
Watching evening fireworks.
Having a late dockside meal.
Camping on your boat overnight.

Nighttime boating often offers an experience with less boating traffic and less overall noise.

You will also be able to enjoy the open water with a blazing or hot sun, cooler and breezy air, and calmer water without a wake.

22. Keep at It!

The final tip for boating at night is to keep at it. Experience is important when it comes to boating during the day as well as at night.

In the beginning, you should have another experienced boat operator on board in case of an emergency, as well as for the second set of eyes.

You will want to continue to practice boating at night to make sure you get the hang of it.

The saying “it’s as different as night and day” is highly applicable when operating a boat.

Once you get the hang of it and really know what you are doing, you can enjoy many relaxing and no stress evenings out on the water with you and your fellow passengers.

It is also beneficial to practice on nights that have a full moon or a bright moon. This can add additional light to see by while you get used to the difference that comes with nighttime boating and navigation.

Final Thoughts:

If you own a boat, you might be wondering how to get more use and enjoyment out of it. The solution for you could be to get into evening boating.

Boating at night can be a delightful and relaxing experience without the harsh sun and high boating traffic.

Evening boating can be quiet and relaxing as well as you can do many different types of experiences that you cannot do during daytime boating.

If you properly prepare, you can have an enjoyable experience for you and your passengers at night.

Preparations can include:

Knowing the proper navigation rules regarding the right of way, light signals, and sound signals.
Knowing the proper speeds for nighttime boating.
Making sure you are confident in your operating skills.
Bringing the proper safety equipment.
Bringing the proper navigation equipment.
Bringing the proper clothes, bug spray, towels, sleeping items, and other equipment.
Preparing your boat to lower light and sound, so it isn’t distracting.
Behaving safely when it comes to operation and the use of alcohol.
Having an experienced skipper as a backup.

Make sure when you go boating at night, you remember the safety and navigation rules. Being safe out on the water should always be the top priority.

Reducing user error is a matter of being safe and taking the proper boater training classes to ensure you know the proper navigation rules, right of way rules, sound signals, and lighting signals and the proper time to use them.

Remember to have fun when you are out on the water, no matter what time of day. Having a boat is a fun activity and investment for you and your passenger. You will want to make sure you are enjoying it and using it to its full potential.

Click to share...

Find A School
Certifications
North U Sail Trim
Inside Sailing with Peter Isler
Docking Made Easy
Study Quizzes
Bite-sized Lessons
Fun Quizzes
Sailing Challenge

7 Tips for Night Sailing

By: Pat Reynolds Cruising Tips , Learn To Sail , Safety

Now that we’re into the summer months, lots of you might want to stretch your skill set and do a bit of night sailing. It’s a bit of a different animal so we’ve cobbled together seven things to keep in mind as you head off into the wild black yonder.

Dress accordingly It may be obvious for some, but don’t forget the big ball of yellow heat will be replaced by a cold little white ball that will not help the warmth cause at all. Your ability to enjoy the pleasure that a gorgeous night on the water can provide is directly proportionate to you being dressed for the environment. Don layers, with a spray jacket on top and life should be good.
Carry a decent searchlight Night boating involves becoming accustomed to the available light and acclimating to it. It’s actually one of the cool things to experience during a sail in the dark, so constantly shining a spotlight like you were hand-holding your car’s headlights is not where it’s at. That said, there are instances where having a high-powered light on board can make things considerably safer. Coming into a harbor, verifying a navigational aid or identifying something foreign in the water are all common situations that benefit from a good light.
Stand a watch Of course someone should always be keeping an astute lookout whenever the boat is underway, but this is hyper-important during the restricted visibility that night sailing involves. If you’re lucky enough to have a bright full moon than things are a bit easier but short of that, it’s dark out there folks! Someone needs to keep a mandated watch. By the way, if that person is you, be prepared to have one of the most quality “alone-times” you’ve ever had. People are known to find the meanings of their lives on night watches. You might well return from your nice sail and promptly quit your job, dump that angry spouse and finally get in shape!
Don’t push Many old salts attach a different attitude and mentality for night sails. During the day the fun might be to vigilantly trim and adjust, catch lifts, shift weight and monitor that knot-meter for that rewarding uptick – 3/10s of a knot – Yes! “ Herman are you secretly racing that little boy in the sabot? ” “ No, of course not. ” But Herman is racing that little boy in the sabot! Anyway, at night it’s good to downshift and run the boat at a lower percentage. Enjoy the serenity this time of day has to offer and understand that downsizing the operation a little will make for a safer and more fulfilling experience.
Make sure Waypoints are Clear & Safe Most sailors rely on electronic aids to see them around the waterways and at night they become even more important. They can also, in certain situations, make things less safe. A few years ago, the famous Newport to Ensenada race reported their first deadly accident when a group of sailors ran into a small island off the coast of San Diego. After an investigation, it was determined that the sailors, in all likelihood, didn’t account for the land-mass (island) when they entered in their waypoints. They might have been sleeping or just not paying attention when their cruising boat tragically ran up on the rocks. This would never have happened during the day, but sailing at night brings with it these kinds of considerations.
Know the Light Patterns Fortunately charts and boats are all set up for sailing at night so it’s absolutely essential that the skipper and at least some of the crew know what the language of lights is saying out there. Boats are equipped with lights situated in such a way that other boats can tell what’s going on and charts are filled with light-related information that will clue mariners in on where they are. It can be confusing to look into a harbor located outside of a city and try to understand what is going on. “ Why is that harbor entrance light switching from green to red like that? Oh, that’s Washington blvd… ” Know what to look for and how the lights behave and the confusion will be greatly reduced.
Wear a PFD We understand that not everyone wears their pfd for whatever reason – it’s not comfortable, it’s filthy from lying on the floor for the past month, it sucks away at your already limited sex appeal – we get it. We don’t agree with the decision, but okay. For night boating, swallow your reasoning and put that thing on. Things can get slick on the boat at night and God forbid you end up in the drink, that little pea head of yours is very hard to see in the night. If you’re floating around for a while screaming “over here!” things are vastly better. Attach a battery powered personal beacon/light to it while you’re at it. Follow our advice and should you end up overboard you’ll be back in the boat in no time!

Flotilla-2024-09-Whitecaps-Sailing-Turkey-ASA

Learn To Sail
Mobile Apps
Online Courses
Upcoming Courses
Sailor Resources
ASA Log Book
Bite Sized Lessons
Knots Made Easy
Catamaran Challenge
Sailing Vacations
Sailing Cruises
Charter Resources
International Proficiency Certificate
Find A Charter
All Articles
Sailing Tips
Sailing Terms
Destinations
Environmental
Initiatives
Instructor Resources
Become An Instructor
Become An ASA School
Member / Instructor Login
Affiliate Login

IMAGES

How to light a sailboat at night ~ How to build a sailboat kit
Navigation Lights at Night
Sailing boat, yacht with night lighting system and full moon during
Properly lit sailboat at night ~ Build your own pontoon boat
Free Images : dock, light, boat, ship, cityscape, evening, reflection
Sailboat Christmas lights ~ Hampton Harbor, VA

VIDEO

Sailboat VS Storm😱
Night Traveling
Boat light show experience
Big LIGHTNING ⚡ STORM 🙀 on its way ⛵🌴

COMMENTS

Shining the Sailboat Lights At Night: What You Need To Know
Sailboat lights at night are a crucial part of safe navigating when it's too dark to see. Most accidents on the water occur because of a collision whether it's with a fixed object or another watercraft. The majority happen when visibility can become an issue, whether it's dawn or dusk. Making your boat discernible to others is the single ...
What is a Properly Lit Sailboat at Night? (A Guide to Safety
A properly lit sailboat at night is a boat that is equipped with the correct navigation lights, which are required by law. These lights must be visible for two miles and should include a green light on the starboard side, a red light on the port side, and a white light aft. Additionally, the boat must also have a white masthead light that is ...
Boat Navigation Lights Rules: Illustrated Beginners Guide
They must show an arc of 112.5 degrees from centerline of the bow. Stern light - A white light on the stern of the boat showing an unbroken arc of 135 degrees from centerline of the vessel. All-round light - A light showing in an unbroken arc of 360 degrees. The good news is you need not measure these angles.
Navigation Lights : BoatUS Foundation
On any vessel, navigation lights have a specific color, (white, red, green, yellow, blue), arc of illumination, range of visibility, and location, as required by law and regulations. For the purposes of this course, we will concentrate on pleasure boats under 65 feet in length. Knowledge of navigation lights is important to a small-boat skipper ...
Boat Lights At Night (The Rules For Safety)
In Florida, boaters are required to display a white light visible in all directions from sunset to sunrise. Boats must have a white light visible from 360 degrees whenever they are safely moored or anchored away from jetty. There are 4 types of navigation light that a boat must turn on at night time. They are Red, Green, White lights.
Boat Lights at Night: A Guide to Safe Sailing in the Dark
Necessary Lights for Boating at Night. Depending on illuminated waters after dark, boat light illumination is necessary for all recreational vessels. Boats must display three main types of lights, including bow, stern, and riding lights. The bow light indicates to other boats where your vessel's direction is facing, appearing as a green light ...
How Should a Sailboat Be Lit At Night? (Expert Advice You Need To Know)
In conclusion, sailboats should be properly lit at night to ensure the safety of the vessel and those on board. The United States Coast Guard has specific regulations for sailboat lighting that should be followed. Additionally, any vessels longer than 39.4 feet should be equipped with a masthead light, red/green sidelights, and a sternlight.
Navigation Lights for Sailboats (And How To Read Them)
Knowing that the bow lights go 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on both sides or 112.5 degrees on each side, and the stern light faces 225 degrees aft for a total of 360 degrees of visibility, you can tell a lot about where a boat is heading and who has the right of way. One thing that's easy to remember is red means stop and if you see a vessel's ...
What you need to know about sailing at night
Captains are often asked if it's possible to sail at night. In the vast majority of cases, the answer is yes, unless you are just starting out. You just need to know the specifics of night sailing — the rules of boat lighting, beacon signals, have navigation and nautical charts handy, and most importantly, follow basic safety rules on board.
Navigation Lights at Night
The most common of our navigation lights are our "running lights". This is a red light on the port side of the boat and a green light on the starboard side that shine from the bow to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam of the boat. This creates a 112.5-degree arc on either side of the vessel. To complete a 360-degree circle, our white stern light ...
What Lights Are Required on a Boat at Night? A Guide to Navigation
The table below summarizes the legal requirements for navigation lights on boats in the United States: Boat Size. Required Lights. Under 12 meters (39.4 feet) Red and green sidelights, white masthead light, and stern light. 12 to 20 meters (39.4 to 65.6 feet) Same as above, plus an all-around white light.
Know Which Navigation Lights are Required for Your Boat
The basic rule is that sidelights and a stern light are required. Permissible variations to this rule appear below. Sailboats less than 20m (65.7') can substitute a tricolor light for separate sidelights and stern light—or a bi-color light and a stern light may be substituted. Sailboats less than 7m (23') shall, if practicable, exhibit lights ...
What are the proper sailboat lights at night?
There are different lighting rules for vessels under power and those under sail. In this article, we'll discuss the proper sailboat lights at night. Sailboats are required to have three lights at a minimum: a masthead light, a red port light, and a green starboard light. The masthead light is white and is located at the top of the mast.
15 Tips for Boating at Night [for Safety & Navigation]
14. Avoid Stargazing if Possible. Being out on the open water at night, especially with a clear sky, is a unique experience, but one of the most important night boating tips is to avoid stargazing while your boat is moving. Not only can this be disorienting, but it can also lead to vertigo and seasickness.
Boating at Night: How to Navigate Safely After Sundown
Allow them plenty of space and get out of their way. You can see how important lighting will be while boating at night. Don't confuse other boaters by keeping under-deck lighting on. It's crucial that other boaters are able to distinguish between your red and green running lights.
Importance Of Boat Lights At Night For Increased Visibility And Safety
Importance of Boat Lights at Night. When it comes to boating at night, the importance of having proper boat lights cannot be overstated. These lights play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both boaters and other watercrafts. They also help boaters comply with navigation rules, making nighttime navigation smoother and less risky. ...
Sailing at night: tactics and tips
Water is very important for keeping the mind alert on night watch. In fact, dehydration is often mistaken for fatigue. Keep a water bottle on deck - One of our friends has a rule that anyone who yawns on the boat must take a drink of water. Every member of the crew should keep a water bottle on deck when on watch.
Boating at Night: Rules, Safety Tips and Lights
Boating at night rules: navigation lights. ... Alternatively, they may display a lantern that combines the coloured sidelights and stern light. Sailboats 20 m and over. Sailboats 20 m and over must display green and red sidelights and a stern light. Optionally, they may also display one red and one green all-round light, with the red on top and ...
Lighting for Boats at Night
Using Lights at Night. Depending on your intended use, you may have more flexibility in where and how you add lighting to your boat. The main thing to keep in mind is that the primary purpose of navigational lights is for other boats to be able to see you and interpret your heading and intent. As long as that requirement is met, additional ...
A Guide to Boating at Night
Use spotlights sparingly: Avoid using spotlights while out on the water. These lights send a glare onto the water, affecting other drivers' visibility. Turn off ambient lights: Another best strategy for boating at night is to dim all ambient lights on your boat. Only light your navigation lights while you're on the water.
How do you light your cockpit at night?
Nov 7, 2009. #2. Night lights. David, I agree, the more the merrier for safety, but within reason. We use a backstay mounted oil lamp for an anchor light. Your two lights at deck level may be overkill and even more confusing for other boaters. The anchorages we use regularly are so small that anything up at mast height wouldn't be seen anyway.
22 Tips For Boating At Night: Helpful Guide (For Beginners)
An effective way to safely sail at night is to shine a light on your sail if you hear a powerboat. You will be readily visible to other boaters. Larger sailboats should have lights similar to the powered boat lights on the side and the aft, but there could also have a tri-color light on the masthead that can be visible up to 2 miles away. ...
7 Tips for Night Sailing
Don layers, with a spray jacket on top and life should be good. Carry a decent searchlight. Night boating involves becoming accustomed to the available light and acclimating to it. It's actually one of the cool things to experience during a sail in the dark, so constantly shining a spotlight like you were hand-holding your car's headlights ...
Iowa City firefighters respond to garage fire, no one injured
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - No one was hurt in a fire at a garage in Iowa City Thursday night. Firefighters were called to the 1500 block of Plum Street just after 9 p.m. for a report of a garage fire.

Boat Navigation Lights Rules: Illustrated Beginners Guide

On this page:

Lights When Sailing

Lights When Motoring

Port Wine is Red

Tankers, Freighters and Large Ships

Fishing Boats

Towing and Pushing

Special Situations

Leave a comment

The Ultimate Guide to Sail Types and Rigs (with Pictures)

Ready to Own Your First Boat?

Boat Lights At Night (The Rules For Safety)

Types of Boat Lights

Boat Navigation Light Color

Boat Light Visibility Range (Minimum)

Boat Navigation Lights Indicate W hich Side ?

What Are Boat Lights Used For ?

Boat Lights and The Law

Why Do Boats Have Blue Lights?

What Does a Single White Light on a Boat Tell You?

What Does a Red Flashing Light Mean on a Boat?

What Size Boat Requires a Stern Light?

Where to Put Navigation Lights on a Boat?

Safety Tips When Using Boat Lights

What Are the Most Popular Boat Lights?

What Lights Should Be on When Boating at Night?

Which Side of a Boat Has a Red Light at Night?

When Boating at Night What Does a Single Green Light Mean?

What Lights are Required on a Boat at Night in Florida?

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Boat Lights at Night: A Guide to Safe Sailing in the Dark

Safety Considerations

Necessary Lights for Boating at Night

Understanding the Importance of Visibility

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Article Contributors

How Should a Sailboat Be Lit At Night? (Expert Advice You Need To Know)

Short Answer

US Coast Guard Regulations for Sailboat Lighting

Necessary Lights for Longer Vessels

Testing Lights Regularly

Searchlights For Extra Visibility

Advantages of Searchlights

Tips For Proper Illumination

Recommended Accessories

Final Thoughts

Recent Posts

The USCG says You’re a Power Boat Whether You Like It or Not

Navigation Lights for a Power Boat

Sailboats get a little flexibility with lights

Red over Green Sailing Machine

What is a “steaming light” and why are you mentioning it now?

Aspect Recognition with Lights

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

Similar Posts

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

Cost To Sail Around The World

How To Drive A Pontoon Boat

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

You can't do it without the correct lights

Navigation, GPS and maps

Safety is paramount when sailing at night

Specifics of night sailing and boat handling

The magic of night sailing

Are you new to the sea? We will recommend experienced captains who will take care of you on the ship. Give us a call.

Denisa Nguyenová

Navigation Lights at Night

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Latest Blog Posts

Boat Boat Go

What Lights Are Required on a Boat at Night? A Guide to Navigation Lights