A power-driven vessel may show an all-round white light instead of a masthead light when at anchor. Additionally, when under way and restricted in her ability to maneuver, she may display a special light configuration, including a white light at the top and red and green sidelights. This ensures other vessels can easily identify her status and intentions.
A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may show an all-round white light in lieu of the masthead light and sternlight. This all-round white light must be visible from all directions and is typically mounted at a height that ensures visibility. Additionally, the vessel may also display sidelights if it is engaged in activities requiring them.
The masthead light is typically white in color. It is displayed at the top of a vessel to indicate the presence of another vessel at night.
A power-driven vessel less than 12 meters in length may carry an all-round white light instead of the standard masthead light and sternlight. This all-round white light must be visible from all directions and should be positioned at or near the highest point of the vessel to ensure visibility. Additionally, the vessel should display side lights when operating between sunset and sunrise.
Generally they are masthead light, port and starboard steaming light and stern light. Others may be displayed depending on the length of the vessel and what duties it is carrying out.
When underway, a power-driven vessel displays a combination of navigation lights: a white masthead light at the front, sidelights (green on the starboard side and red on the port side), and a white stern light at the rear. The masthead light is visible from ahead and extends 225 degrees, while the sidelights are visible from the side and ahead. The stern light provides visibility from behind. These lights help ensure the vessel is seen and identified by other vessels during nighttime or low visibility conditions.
The characteristics of navigation lights on a power driven vessel includes sidelights, sternlight, masthead light, and all-round white lights. Navigation lights must be displayed from sunset until sunrise as well as anytime visibility is restricted.
On power-driven vessels, navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during restricted visibility. Typically, these vessels are required to show a white masthead light, sidelights (green on the starboard side and red on the port side), and a sternlight. The masthead light must be visible from a distance of 22.5 degrees ahead and the sidelights must be visible from 112.5 degrees on either side. Additionally, when at anchor, a power-driven vessel must display an all-round white light in the fore part of the vessel.
Rules of the Road Lights & Shapes, Rule 21-International Definitions (a) "Masthead light" means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from the right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.
Rules of the RoadInternational/InlandLights & shapesRule 23-Power-driven vessels underway(a) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:(i) a Masthead light forward;(ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so;(iii) sidelights; and(iv) a stern light*note on side lights. Red is port side (left) and green is starboard side (right)
The arc of visibility for a masthead light is 225 degrees. This means that the light must be visible from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.
A masthead light is a white light located at the highest point of a vessel, typically on the mast or superstructure. It helps other vessels identify the boat's presence, direction of travel, and size when navigating in low visibility conditions. The masthead light is required by maritime regulations, especially at night or in restricted visibility.
White lights on a vessel typically indicate the presence of a stern light or a masthead light. A stern light is positioned at the rear of the vessel and is visible from behind, while a masthead light is found at the top of the vessel's mast and shines forward. Both lights are essential for navigation and safety, helping to indicate the vessel's presence and direction to other mariners. In some cases, all-around white lights may also indicate that a vessel is anchored or aground.