Recreational vessels at anchor

All recreational vessels must show an all-around white light while at anchor. However, if the vessel is drifting (under way but not making way) the vessel must display appropriate navigation lights.

Sail and human powered vessels

Sailing vessels under way or drifting

A sailing vessel under way must exhibit side lights and a stern light. If the vessel is less than 20 m in length, the sidelights and stern light may be combined in one lantern (tricolour lantern) carried at or near the top of the mast where it can be seen.

In addition to the sidelights and stern light, a sailing vessel may exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can be best seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower being green. These lights must not be exhibited in conjunction with a combined lantern (tricolour lantern).

Sailing vessels under way (not using power)

Sailing vessels less than 7 m in length and boats under oars or drifting must, if practicable, display any of the combinations for vessels under sail.

An electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light and exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision is an acceptable alternative for these vessels when the lighting configuration described above is not practicable.

Powerboats

Powerboats under way or drifting

Vessels under 12 m in length must show:

a) sidelights and an all round white light

or

b) sidelights, masthead light and a stern light.

Vessels under 7 m in length and under 7 knots

Power-driven vessels of less than 7 m in length, whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots, when under way, may exhibit an all-round white light and must also, if practicable, exhibit sidelights.

Larger vessels

Vessels under 50 m in length may exhibit a second masthead light.

Vessels under 12 m in length, sidelights may be combined in one lantern on fore and aft centreline.

Vessels towing

A vessel towing another when the tow length is under 200 m must show two masthead lights (three masthead lights if over 200 m). A yellow towing light is situated over the stern light of the towing vessel. The towed vessel shows side and stern lights.

Vessels at anchor

Vessels 50 m or more in length must show two all-round lights, the forward one higher than the aft one. Vessels under 50 m may show a second (lower) light at stern.

A vessel of 100 m or more length shall also illuminate her decks with lights.

Vessels aground

A vessel aground must show anchor lights and two all-round red lights. A vessel under 12 m length is not required to exhibit these lights.

This signal does not mean distress or in need of help, but operators should navigate with caution.

Vessels restricted ability to manoeuvre

A vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre, including diving vessels, must show three all-round lights, with the top and bottom lights being red and the middle light white. When making way through the water, the vessel must also show masthead lights, sidelights and stern light.

When at anchor, the vessel must also show anchor lights. This signal does not indicate distress or a need for help, but operators should navigate with caution.

Vessels engaged in underwater operations

A vessel engaged in underwater operations, including dredging, with an obstruction on one side shall show lights indicating a restricted ability to manoeuvre. It must also show two all-round red lights on the side of the obstruction and two all-round green lights on the side that vessels may pass.

Vessels constrained by their draught

A power-driven vessel restricted to a narrow channel by her draught and unable to deviate from course must show lights for power-driven vessel under way and may also show three all- round red lights.

Pilot vessels on duty

Pilot vessels on duty must show two all-round lights, the top light white and the lower light red.

When at anchor, the vessel shows anchor light or lights and when under way sidelights and stern light.

Vessels not under command

Vessels not under command must show two all-round red lights. When making way through the water, sidelights and stern light are also required. Vessels under 12 m in length, except those engaging in diving operations, are not required to comply with these lights. This signal does not mean distress, but shows inability to manoeuvre. Vessels are required to keep clear of vessels not under command.