THE CORRECT SELECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF BOAT LIGHTS AND POSITION LIGHTS
Safety on the water is a top priority. A crucial role is played by the right lights on boats. In our guide, you will learn everything important about the importance of navigation lights and position lights, their correct placement on board and the applicable regulations. We present you with the knowledge you need to stay safe on the road at night and in poor visibility.
Overview of the relevant regulations
Lights on boats are regulated in detail in international and national shipping regulations. The most important international regulation is the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, also known as COLREG or KVR (Collision Prevention Regulations). Part C of COLREG defines the regulations for lights on boats and prescribes which lights must be installed where and how they are to be used. It is important to follow these regulations closely to avoid accidents at sea.
German maritime law also regulates light keeping on boats in detail. The See-Schifffahrtsstraßen-Ordnung (SeeSchStrO) defines the regulations for keeping lights on ships and boats in German waters. Here, too, the exact requirements for the position, colour and visibility of the lights are specified. It is therefore important to familiarise yourself with the respective national regulations and to take them into account when purchasing and installing position lights and signal lights.
Navigation lights Battery operated
Are there differences between the regulations? How do they intertwine?
There are some relevant differences between the German Maritime Navigation Regulations (SeeSchStrO) and the international regulations (COLREG). Here are some of them:
Scope of application: The SeeSchStrO applies specifically to German waters, while the COLREG applies internationally.
Scope of regulation: The COLREG is more extensive and detailed in terms of light guidance and contains specific regulations for different types of ships and boats. The SeeSchStrO mainly contains the transposition of the international regulations into German law.
Local specifics: The SeeSchStrO contains additional requirements and specifics that are specific to German waters, such as certain light signals for harbour entrances or river mouths.
It is important to follow both international and national regulations and ensure that lights on boats comply with the respective regulations, depending on the waters you are sailing.
LED navigation lights
Other lights and their use
In addition to position lights, there are other lights that can be used on boats to indicate specific situations or actions. Here are some examples:
- Anchor light: Anchor light is the white signal light or rotating light that is fitted when the boat is at anchor. It is intended to signal to other boats that the boat is not moving and to mark its location. Multiple anchor lights are required for larger anchorages.
- Rescue light: The rescue light is a floating light used in the event of a person or object in the water to indicate distress. It usually has a flashing or pulsing function to attract the attention of other boats or rescue services.
- Tow light: The tow light is used when a boat needs to tow or pull another boat or floating device. It is used to warn other boats of the hawser or object being towed and to improve the visibility of the towing operation.
Lopolight LED
How far do position lights have to be visible?
In principle, the position lights should be visible sufficiently far to be able to signal the presence and course direction of one's own boat to other vessels at an early stage.The exact range varies depending on the type and size of the boat. As a rule, the minimum visibility for position lights on boats up to 50 metres in length is 2 nautical miles (approx. 3.7 kilometres).
The actual visibility, however, may depend on various factors, such as weather conditions, height of the lights above the water level, obstacles or reflections. Under adverse conditions, such as fog or heavy rain, the visibility of the lights may be limited.
To ensure that the position lights provide the required visibility, it is advisable to use high-quality and certified lamps that meet the appropriate standards. In addition, the lamps should be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure optimal performance.
The visibility specifications in national regulations may vary depending on the country. Therefore, it is advisable to find out about the specific regulations of the respective cruising area.
Here's what you should look for when buying position lights
When buying position lights and other boat lights, there are some important points to consider in order to choose high-quality and suitable products. Here are some selection criteria and recommendations:
Selection criteria for position lights and other boat lights - Pay attention to the following aspects:
- Compatibility with applicable regulations: Ensure that lights comply with the appropriate regulations and standards to meet the requirements of the light guide.
- Visibility and brightness: Check the luminosity and visibility range of the lights to ensure that they are sufficiently bright and can be easily seen in the dark.
- Ruggedness and weather resistance: Choose lamps that are designed for maritime use and are protected against water, moisture and vibration.
- Energy efficiency: Consider the energy efficiency of the lamps, especially if they have to be left on for a long time.
- Look for quality features and certifications: Look for quality features such as high-quality materials, solid workmanship and manufacturer reliability. In addition, you can look for certifications such as CE marking or approvals by recognised organisations to ensure that the products meet the required standards.
If in doubt, take the opportunity to seek advice to find suitable lamps for your specific requirements.
All-round lights
Care and maintenance of boat lights
Regular care of boat lights is of great importance to ensure their proper functioning and longevity. Here are some important points around the maintenance of lights on board:
Importance of regular inspection and cleaning of lights: Regularly check the condition of the lights, especially before long boat trips or after adverse weather conditions. Remove dirt, salt deposits or other debris from the lights, as these can reduce visibility.
Protection against corrosion and moisture: Boat lights are exposed to moisture and corrosion. Use appropriate protective measures such as special lamp covers or waterproof seals to prevent water ingress and reduce corrosion.
Protection against moisture and corrosion: Boat lamps are exposed to moisture and corrosion.
Replacing defective bulbs or lamps: Regularly check the functionality of the bulbs or lamps and replace defective ones immediately. Be sure to use the correct replacement parts according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure optimum performance of the bulbs.
Battery check and replacement: If your lamps are battery-operated, check the condition of the batteries regularly and replace them if necessary. Make sure the batteries have sufficient capacity to power the lamps for the required time.
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