A vessel that is underway but not making way would exhibit sidelights if it is a power-driven vessel or a sailing vessel with a motor. Sidelights consist of a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side, indicating the vessel's orientation. Even when not making way, the sidelights serve to signal the vessel's presence and direction to other vessels in the vicinity. Additionally, a vessel at anchor would display an all-round white light instead of sidelights.
A sailing vessel under sail at night must exhibit red and green sidelights and an all-round white light when underway. The red light is displayed on the port side, and the green light on the starboard side, while the all-round white light indicates the vessel's presence and helps prevent collisions. This lighting configuration is essential for visibility and safety on the water.
In addition to an all-round white light, power-driven vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) long must exhibit sidelights (red and green) and a sternlight when underway between sunset and sunrise. The red sidelights should be displayed on the port side, while the green sidelights are on the starboard side. These lights help indicate the vessel's direction and improve visibility to other vessels at night.
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)
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)
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.
life preserver
If you are moving......green to starboard (right) red to port (left) white to aft (rear).If you are anchored......white all around.Rule 26Fishing Vessels(a) A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and shapes prescribed by this rule.(b) A vessel when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the dragging through the water of a dredge net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance, shall exhibit;(i) two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being green and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with their apexes together in a vertical line one above the other; a vessel of less than 20 meters in length may instead of this shape exhibit a basket;(ii) a masthead light abaft of and higher than the all-round green light; a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so;(iii) when making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.(c) A vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, shall exhibit:(i) two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with their apexes together in a vertical line one above the other; a vessel of less than 20 meters in length may instead of this shape exhibit a basket;(ii)when there is outlying gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel, an all-round white light or a cone apex upwards in the direction of the gear.(iii) when making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.(d) A vessel engaged in fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing may exhibit the additional signals described in Annex II to these Regulations.(e) A vessel when not engaged in fishing shall not exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this Rule, but only those prescribed for a vessel of her length.
A vessel at sea is said to be underway.
The lights a vessel displays at night define a lot about the vessel, length, aspect etc. Some 'special vessels' display lights that convey their activity. Some of these vessels can be 'underway' (Not tied up or anchored) but not 'making way' The special vessels are fishing vessels (red or green over white), vesels not under control (2 reds) and vessels with restricted ability to manoeuvre (red over white over red). These special vessels can be observed with their navigation lights off but the identifying lights on. This could be say 2 red all round lights. This would be underway but not making way. Switch the nav lights on and it would be making way. All other vessel types would be 'underway'. Cheers. thescr3am.
A power-driven vessel underway in restricted visibility is required to sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. This signal indicates the vessel's presence and helps prevent collisions. Additionally, if the vessel is making way through the water, it may also sound two short blasts to indicate its maneuverability.
There are several sound signals for a vessel underway in restricted visbility.A power drivel vessel underway, making way- 1 PROLONGED Blast (4-6 seconds duration) Not to exceed every two minutes.A power driven vessel underway NOT making way-2 PROLONGED every 2 minutes, not exceed two minutes.A vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in maneuverability, a vessel towing, a vessel engaged in fishing, a sailing vessel & a vessel constrained by her draft (International only) 1 PROLONGED blast followed by two short blast (duration about 1 second per short blast) every two minutes, not to exceed two minutes.A MANNED vessel being towed shall sound 1 PROLONGED followed by 3 SHORT blasts every two minute, not to exceed two minutes.See the link provided for the International and Inland Navigational Rules of the Road. Rule 35.for power driven vessels over 12meters it's one long blast every 2 minutes
A power-driven vessel, such as a motorboat or yacht, must exhibit red and green bow lights and an all-round white light when underway at night. The red light indicates the port side, while the green light indicates the starboard side, helping to identify the vessel's direction. The all-round white light, typically positioned at the stern or on the mast, provides visibility to other vessels from all angles. This lighting configuration is essential for safe navigation and collision avoidance.