Characteristics of Navigation Lights

arc--of-visibility-of lights
A diagram of what a standard navigation light setup looks like.

Below are important characteristics of navigation lights:

Masthead light:
  • A white light.
  • Shows an unbroken white light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees.
  • Placed over the fore and aft centreline of the vessel.

The light must be fixed so it can be seen from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on both sides of the vessel.

Sidelights:
  • A green light on the starboard side (right when looking at the bow)
  • A red light on the port side (left when looking at the bow)
  • Each sidelight must show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees.
  • Both lights must be fixed so they can be seen from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side.
  • A vessel less than 20 m (65’7”) in length can display the sidelights in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centreline of the vessel.
Sternlight:
  • A white light placed as near as possible to the stern of the boat.
  • Shows an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and fixed so the light can be seen 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.
All-around light:
  • A light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

 

Special Vessel Lights

Towing light
  • A yellow light placed as near as possible to the stern of the boat.
  • Shows an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and fixed so the light can be seen 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.
arc-of-visibility-towing-light
The light arc of a towing light.
Flashing Light
  • a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.
Special Flashing Light
  • a yellow light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per minute
  • placed as far forward and as nearly as practicable on the fore and aft centreline of a vessel and showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of not less than 180 degrees nor more than 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to abeam and not more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.
special-flashing-light
The light arc of a special flashing light.
Blue flashing light
  • a blue all-round light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per minute.

 

 

Contains information published in the Collision Regulations and the Safe Boating Guide. The Collision Regulations is available here in its original format and on the Government of Canada Department of Justice Laws Website.