What are the types and functions of ship navigation signal lights
Sep 15, 2021
Ship navigation signal lights are divided into three colors of red, white and green, which are arranged vertically on both sides of the main mast. Used for different purposes in various situations, representing a certain meaning.
(1) Masthead: a light placed above the mast of the ship or above the centerline of the fore and aft, displaying uninterrupted light in a horizontal arc of 225 degrees, and the device should make the light from the front of the ship to the front of each side. Display within 22.5 degrees behind.
(2) Sidelights: The red light on the port side and the green light on the starboard side, which are placed on the left and right sides of the highest deck of the ship, display uninterrupted lights in a horizontal arc of 112.5 degrees from the bow to the stern. The device should display the lights from the front of the ship to within 22.5 degrees behind the abdomen of each side.
(3) Tail light: a white light located in the middle of the stern. Uninterrupted lights are displayed in a 135-degree horizontal arc, and the device is to display lights from directly behind the ship to within 67.5 degrees of each side. The height of the masthead light should be as level as possible with the sidelight, but not higher than the sidelight.
Use of lights in other situations
(1) When anchoring: only the anchor light (a white ring light) is displayed.
(2) Ships out of control: In addition to sidelights and taillights (turned off when not moving against the water), two vertical all-round red lights are to be displayed at the most visible place.
(3) Ships limited to draught: In addition to sidelights, taillights, and masthead lights, three vertical red lights must be displayed at the most visible place.
