When moored or anchored, all vessels are required to display certain lights in order to ensure the safety of themselves and other vessels in the surrounding area. These lights are important for helping other boaters identify and steer clear of anchored or moored vessels to prevent collisions or other incidents on the water.
According to the United States Coast Guard, when anchored during the day, a vessel should display a black anchor ball at the highest point on the vessel. At night, the vessel should display an anchor light at the highest point on the vessel, which can be white, yellow, or green. This light should be visible from all directions for at least two nautical miles and should be placed in a position where it will not interfere with the vessel’s navigation lights or other required lighting.
When a vessel is moored, it should display a white light at the highest point on the vessel, visible from all directions for at least two nautical miles. This light should be placed in a position where it will not interfere with other required lighting, and it should be a minimum of three feet higher than the vessel’s navigation lights.
It is crucial to remember that failing to display the proper lighting when moored or anchored can result in penalties, fines, and even accidents. All boaters should adhere to these requirements when they are not underway to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the water.
It is also important for boaters to be aware of other vessels’ lighting on the water. Knowing what each light signifies can help boaters avoid potential collisions or other accidents. When navigating on the water, all boaters must take the appropriate actions to avoid any potential hazards and remain in compliance with all safety regulations.
Safety should always be a top priority for boaters of all levels of experience. Knowing what lights to display when moored and anchored is essential for all boaters, and failing to do so can result in serious consequences. Be sure to follow all boating safety regulations and guidelines, and always be aware of the proper lighting on other vessels to avoid potential accidents.