Boating Information

Navigation lights

Navigating at night requires special care. It is essential for you to see other boats and have them see you.

Remember:

It is difficult to judge distances at night
Not all navigational hazards have lights marking their position
Background lighting from the shore can cause confusion.
Slow down and keep a good lookout

Navigation lights are required to be shown on ships operating between sunset and sunrise, and in restricted visibility.

Navigation lights indicate the size of the ship, the angle where you see them, the direction the ship is travelling, or if the ship is anchored.

Navigation lights should be fitted by the manufacturer or an authorised person.

Smaller ships have a number of options including bracketed or combination suction-cupped lights. These types of navigation lights are available from marine dealers.

Tips for installing navigation lights (PDF**, 125KB).


Navigation lights of a sailing vessel	Navigation lights of a sailboat under power	Navigation lights of a power driven vessel with masthead light, sternlight and separate side lights


Navigation lights of a power driven vessel with an all-round white light and combination side lights placed on the bow.	All-round white light indicating a vessel anchored	Sailboats less than seven metres and vessels under oars must have a torch or lantern showing a white light ready to display in time to prevent a collision.

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