Collison regs

[jeanette]

I read recently, that the Col regs permit vessels under 20 metres to use all roundwhite light on the mast head + green/red lights when steaming ie an additional stern light is not required.

Can anyone corroborate this for me?

 

[steve_cronin]

That is true for vessels under 12metres NOT twenty.

Steve Cronin

 

[Laurence]

There is a series of articles appearing in www.sailingindepth.com that gives very clear explanations of each rule. It has not yet reached Lights and Shapes but will shortly.

 

[yachtcharisma]

And vessels less than 7m can dispense with the red/green - ie just display an all-round white when under power, according to my reading of the colregs.

Am I right that when under power with both lights on the all-round white must be ABOVE the red/green/white? The relevance is that the only lights I have on Charisma (6.3m) are a masthead combined R/G/W and masthead all-round-white. It thus seems that to obey the regs at present I should use only the all-round white when under power, not have both on (the white is mounted just above the RGW) or the RGW on and a lantern hoisted lower down - which would at least provide some directional information to other boats.

Anyone any thoughts (other than the obvious fit a red/green on the pulpit!)?

Cheers
Patrick

==================
Sailing a Corribee
vzone.virgin.net/patrick.fox
==================

 

[steve_cronin]

Yes

Your assumptions are cvorrect.

A vessel of <7metres can operate with an all round white only under power. The reasoning being that a boat "so small" could hardly do anyone much harm or that it is likely not to have the power resources to sustain anything more elaborate. However I am sure that your Corribee, a venturer or a Virgo Voyager could inflict a fair bit of damage. The rules incidentally go on to say that "... sidelights should also be worn wherever practicable."

Your set-up is I'm afraid contrary to the regs. Your Tri-colour is a sailing only light and should not be used with the all round white for powered movement. Even the "..lantern suspended lower down " would not do because the white steaming light is supposed to he above the red & green.

You will need to fit either sidelights or a bow combined red&green to comply with the collregs unless you keep with using all round white under power and keep the tri-colour for under sail conditions only.

Steve Cronin

 

[duncan]

always considered 2 boats <7m motoring (moving) under all round white the biggest risk out their at night - neither really knows anything about the other, both could assume other anchored, no real perspective , you know it makes sense to keep out of the way but which way to turn...etc etc

this of course ignores the dangers of those who have not either any lights or any understanding of what they show.

 

[jollyjacktar]

Confusions??

A steaming light, a white all round light. Do not confuse red over green mast lights with the red / green, port/ s'board lights.

Any way, when under power show a white steaming light and stern light and why not light the port and starboard lights as well, even though the regs may not require it in some cases.

 

[mica]

Correct for vessels under 12m . Collission Reg. Rule 23 para (a).

Steve Cronin sounds like he knows his stuff, perhaps he should try the Yachtmaster Quiz on the Cruising Association Site. www.cruising.org.uk

Good Luck Steve if you try it.

MICA

 

[steve_cronin]

Quite agree....

.. considering that these regs were drawn up in pre alternator or even pre 12v electric times there must be a case to have all vessels comply with red/green/white - ah & as. Variable ranges proportional to LOA (as is partly the case now) would sort out any energy problems.

Steve Cronin

 

[steve_cronin]

I only take part in quizes when....

.... a "Well-known Lagopus Scotticus" is on the prize list!

Steve Cronin

 

[jeanette]

Thank you everybody, you have saved me a re-wiring job.

 

[mica]

Re: I only take part in quizes when....

I knew you were bright from your postings. But how did you know that was the 3rd prize?.

MICA

 

[duncan]

Re: Quite agree....

few tenders have the required hardware, and not all have power at all.
No excuse for not holding up a tilley or equivelent though!

 

[Guest]

Sounds like a lot of you are quite rusty on your facts. Acording to this year's edition of the RYA's Seaway Code (RYA/HMSO publication)...

POWERBOATS UNDER 50m should show red and green side lights AND a white stern light AND a white steaming (260degree masthead) light.

SAILING BOATS should show red and green side lights AND a white stern light, which MAY be conbined into a tricolour masthead light.

SAILING BOATS UNDER POWER should show the same as powered vessels.

SMALL POWERED VESSELS UNDER 7m AND UNDER 7kts may show an all round white light.

And if you're intending to use your tender at night why not get battery powered lights like a cyclist does? It would beat being mown down by a cross-channel ferry in the middle of Poole harbour!

Cheers,
Rich.

 

[duncan]

which seems to leave the 'debate' around what, if any, size power boat (presumably under 50m and above 7m) can show an alround white instead of a 'split' white.

Votes for (a) <20
(b) <12
(c) other - please state

Todays star prize is a small white bicycle light to wave at the Condor when crossing Poole fairway in your tender in the early hours..........

 

[peterb]

The "Seaway Code" is an incomplete summary of the rules. The full "International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea" is also obtainable from the RYA, and (provided that you have the latest edition) is complete.

The limiting size for the use of bi-colours or tri-colours is 20 metres. The limiting size for an all-round white to replace separate mast-head (steaming) and stern lights is 12 metres.