This service is currently not available. Please try again later.
12/12/2024
Prevention | Navigation & Seafaring
Lighting the Way with COLREGs
For every responsible boater, knowledge of COLREGs navigation lights and shapes is essential, not just for staying compliant, but for sailing safely on the water.
These internationally established regulations provide a set of guidelines for displaying visual cues based on vessel type, size and activity. When followed, these signals help every vessel understand the position, heading and intent of others on the water, minimising risk and keeping everyone informed.
When visibility is restricted, lights indicate a vessel’s location, size, and the direction it’s moving in, while shapes - such as balls, cones, and cylinders - detail its activity status during daylight hours.
These indicators provide the "language" by which vessels communicate with each other, and when used correctly, they ensure that every skipper knows the ‘rules of the road’ on the water.
Lights and their meanings
1. Masthead light
This is a white light visible from all angles in front of the vessel, used to indicate a vessel’s forward presence and movement. It’s required for powered vessels over 12 metres (but <20m) and is fundamental for determining a vessel’s heading and movement
2. Port and starboard lights
The port light is red, and the starboard light is green. These lights help other craft determine a boat’s left and right sides, which is invaluable for assessing the direction of travel so you can assess whether you are on a collision course or if it’s safe to pass
3. Stern light
Positioned at the back of the vessel, this white light is visible only from behind, allowing those approaching from the rear to see and gauge the distance from the boat ahead.
4. Towing and all-round lights
Yellow towing lights and white all-round lights provide added clarity in operations like towing or fishing. They offer clear visual signals for other vessels to recognise specific activities and react appropriately.
Daytime signals you can’t ignore
Shapes provide a way to communicate what a vessel is doing or its status during the day. Each shape serves a specific purpose:
- Ball: Indicates a vessel is at anchor.
- Cylinder: Signifies a boat constrained by draught
- Diamond: Signals a towing operation exceeding 200 metres.
- Cone: Indicates use of motor on a sailing boat
These shapes add an essential layer of communication on busy areas, letting other vessels know when special caution is needed, such as around fishing boats or when a vessel’s movement is limited.
Why this knowledge matters
For the responsible boater, understanding boat lights and shapes is more than following regulations - it’s a skill that enhances safety, promotes good seamanship, and shows respect amongst those who share the water. Failing to correctly display or recognise these signals could lead to dangerous misinterpretations, so familiarity with them is key to making informed, quick decisions when it counts most.
