Confused about navigation lights......

VicS said:
I also have to mention that vessels under 7 m with max speed of 7 knots may exhibit just an all-round white , or some irritating, pedantic, Scottish Open University lecturer formerly known as Ubergeekian, and Doctor Megaphone on BBC TV for the under fives, will.
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He sounds like a fascinating chap and I hope to meet him some day. I wonder if that's the Dr Megaphone who has just had a smash hit show at the Edinburgh Science Festival? Meanwhile, you haven't got it quite right. From the document to which you linked

23 (d) (ii) A power-driven vessel of less than 7 metres in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights​

25 (d) (i) A sailing vessel of less than 7 metres in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.​

As the fellow owner of a very small boat I'd expect you to know this. My Hunter 490 came with an all-round white at the masthead and in the first year I had my Jouster I had to cross the Clyde at the Cloch unexpectedly late and fended off a cross Modplod boat by pointing out that the torch I was shining at them was fully compliant with IRPCS.

I hope this helps. As ever, your dedication to promotion of the rules is impressive.
 
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Graham376 said:
Under 23 (d), many dinghies (including ours) need an all round white but few bother as it's the quickest way to ruin night vision as I found out after fitting one - for a short time. Never heard of anyone being pulled for that reason.
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There isn't anything in Rule 24 to excuse a yacht and tender combination from showing all the towing/towed lights and shapes, but we seem to get a pass on that as well.
 
Daydream believer said:
If was me, the simple answer is a litre of antifoul & some shackles:encouragement:

But there is a point where one can only lead a horse to water, but I think that we should credit the Op with a bit more savvy
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I was thinking more about the individual behind the till at the chandlery! Popped into a well know chandlery on Alderney to purchase the local tide atlas and the guy had no idea what I was talking about. When detailed information was given about what I was looking for I was told to use my chart plotter - at that moment I had a Victor Meldrew moment.
 
All of us, and - I suspect, the Original Poster Alskade - have some challenges interpreting the offical language of the ColRegs into 'what does that mean for me?'

A 'vessel of 7 metres length' is not relevant to the OP's reasonable question.

i have found, as have most of the several hundred students I've helped, that Campbell's 'A Yachtsmans Guide To the Collision Rules' is about the very best of those many publications that seek to interpret the ColRegs into usable format. Yes, others will come on here with their own preferences, but few will have several hundred successful and satisfied students behind their enthusiasm.

It's certainly worth a look.
 
Most sailers use separate port, starboard and stern lights plus a steaming light when motoring but switch to a single mast head tricolour when sailing (at night of course) to save power consumption. This isn't really necessary in these days of cheap LED bulbs so you can dispense with the tricolour.
 
ghostlymoron said:
This isn't really necessary in these days of cheap LED bulbs so you can dispense with the tricolour.
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Agreed about the power, but I like to be able to be seen from a long way away at night, so I like my tricolour. The builders of my boat fitted a bicolour at the pulpit but no stern light, so I plan to add one in order to have low-level lights for busy places.
 
Good evening all......'he' is actually a 'she' and she would like to thank the kind welcome by the one forum member that welcomed me - thank you.

The reason for my original post was because, as has been the case here, there are so many different opinions about right and wrong. I had indeed read the Col Regs, but wanted clarification after a number of conversations where I received different answers.....again, as per this thread. Clearly, there is some interpretation to our lovely Col Regs.... :p

Thank you for all the opinions, particularly the one regarding the steaming light at night under power - you know who you are :o

I look forward to my next question ...... and the answers that follow.

T :cool:
 
also does not reflect off shiny bits of metalwork like side lights can or cause glare in mist/ foggy conditions. Not likely to get crunched in crowed marinas etc as a pulpit mounted bicolour can.
 
Alskade said:
Good evening all......'he' is actually a 'she'
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Well if you had told us that in the first place you would have saved us a lot of bother.
It is like everything else.
Being a " she" you do not have to bother. You are naturally right, whatever lights you deem to display & who are we to dare criticise.:encouragement:
 
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VicS said:
also does not reflect off shiny bits of metalwork like side lights can or cause glare in mist/ foggy conditions. Not likely to get crunched in crowed marinas etc as a pulpit mounted bicolour can.
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I carry a spare bicolour for trips through the Crinan Canal. Bitter experience. Incompetent line handlers in front of me.
 
Alskade said:
Good evening all......'he' is actually a 'she' and she would like to thank the kind welcome by the one forum member that welcomed me - thank you.

The reason for my original post was because, as has been the case here, there are so many different opinions about right and wrong. I had indeed read the Col Regs, but wanted clarification after a number of conversations where I received different answers.....again, as per this thread. Clearly, there is some interpretation to our lovely Col Regs.... :p

Thank you for all the opinions, particularly the one regarding the steaming light at night under power - you know who you are :o

I look forward to my next question ...... and the answers that follow.

T :cool:
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Welcome but please please do not ask about the best anchor as the next one.
The replies would make Brexit seem simple.

Some of the simple cockpit cards are good for understanding colregs.
 
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