As a novice boater, you may have come across boats with red and green lights and wondered what they’re for. These lights are known as sidelights or navigation lights, and they play a critical role in safe boating.
So,? The answer lies in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), which set out the rules for navigation lights on boats. In general, red sidelights are placed on the port (left) side of the boat, while green sidelights are placed on the starboard (right) side of the boat.
The reason for this arrangement is to enable other boats to determine which way your boat is heading at night or in low visibility conditions. If another boat sees your port-side red light, they know that your boat is heading towards their starboard side, and vice versa. This information helps both boats to avoid a collision.
In addition to sidelights, boats are also required to display a white all-round light at the stern (back) of the boat. This light is visible from any direction and is used to indicate that a boat is underway. When combined with the sidelights, it indicates the heading of the boat.
The placement of red and green lights on a boat is critical for safe navigation, and it’s essential to ensure that they are working correctly before setting out on the water. If one of these lights malfunctions or is missing, it could lead to confusion for other boaters and increase the risk of a collision.
So, if you’re a boater, make sure your navigation lights are in good working order and display them correctly. It’s also worth remembering that different rules apply for different types of boats and for boats operating in different areas. Check the regulations for your location and type of boat to ensure you’re following all the necessary rules for safe boating.