Navigation lights question

One can always just buy it! Probably the best learning tool for IRPCS and used by many navies and nautical colleges. Ive kept a copy for teaching now since mebbe 1980...... :)
 
Yealm said:
I'm a bit unsure on this - could anyone help me with below ?

Am i right in thinking there are 3 states a vessel can be in regarding lights -
1) anchored
2) making way (ie under propulsion - sail, oar or engine)
3) underway but not making way (ie drifting with tide or windage) ?

so if a vessel is restricted in ability to manoeuvre, for these 3 states...

1) anchored - RWR special lights plus anchor lights
2) making way - RWR special lights plus nav lights (sternlight, masthead and side lights)
3) underway but not making way - RWR special lights only

Is this all correct ?

And finally, if a motorboat is drifting (underway but not making way) with no engine on, what lights should it display ?

Many thanks !
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There is of course a 4th state which i dont think has been mentioned and hopefully you wont need and that is of course when your aground
 
Humblebee said:
One point still seems odd though. If a vessel is at anchor, showing the correct lights, why should it also show lights for RAM? Surely it follows inevitably that a boat at anchor cannot manoeuvre?
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I've wondered that, too.

I suspect that it relates to the fact that even at anchor you retain the obligation to keep a good look out by all means, etc. (you do, don't you? ;) ), and take avoiding action if need be. (This would include slipping anchor if need be.) I recall a case a few years ago where, IIRC, a ship making way but out of control collided with an anchored ship. The anchored ship was held to be partly responsible, because it had not noticed the emerging situation or sought to take action.

Does anyone have more certain information?
 
Humblebee said:
Interesting discussion, time I got my books out for a refresh.
One point still seems odd though. If a vessel is at anchor, showing the correct lights, why should it also show lights for RAM? Surely it follows inevitably that a boat at anchor cannot manoeuvre?
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Humblebee said:
Interesting discussion, time I got my books out for a refresh.
One point still seems odd though. If a vessel is at anchor, showing the correct lights, why should it also show lights for RAM? Surely it follows inevitably that a boat at anchor cannot manoeuvre?
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Hiya. Consider a vessel anchored carrying out underwater operations, like a diver in the water. (y)

Most people know Flag Alpha for daytime, but what about night? :)
 
Did my yacht master exam last November. The examiner used the flip cards that are available to buy in every chandlery and literally asked me every one in the 12 hours of the exam. Lights, signs, sounds, the lot. Most are easy but there are some doozies, a few of the scenarios in this thread. Along with the seamans guide mentioned which I 've read and read again. I would recommend getting the flip cards and going through them every now and then, especially the obscure ones.
 
capnsensible said:
Hiya. Consider a vessel anchored carrying out underwater operations, like a diver in the water. (y)

Most people know Flag Alpha for daytime, but what about night? :)
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Hi there, yes, fair point and one of the few times when at anchor and another signal may be appropriate. Mind you, any time I have seen diving in operation the diving vessel has only shown code flag A. It seems that the fact they are RIM or anchored can be assumed from this? The message keep well clear and pass at low speed would be the same whether they are anchored or RIM.
 
Humblebee said:
Hi there, yes, fair point and one of the few times when at anchor and another signal may be appropriate. Mind you, any time I have seen diving in operation the diving vessel has only shown code flag A. It seems that the fact they are RIM or anchored can be assumed from this? The message keep well clear and pass at low speed would be the same whether they are anchored or RIM.
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Its always an interesting one of the less well know lights. you can find it (for those who wish) in Rule 27.

As a practical example, heres one. Lots of vessels call into Gibraltar Bay every day for bunkers and anchor to do so. A percentage of those shift, generally to the north of the bay for bottom scrubbing by divers with huge air driven brushes. Crap job but they are on it 24 hours a day. Big business.

So the anchored vessel shows anchor lights plus restricted in ability to manoeuver whilst carrying out underwater operations/ divers. Little point on the dive support vessel....wouldn't be seen.

Similarly when anchored vessels have divers in sorting out underwater maintenance and repair work. Probably, most people wont ever see it, but there you go.
 
Buck Turgidson said:
the flip cards that are available to buy in every chandlery
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Or you can make your own.

I couldn't afford to buy several sets of flip cards when I was doing my shorebased Yachtmaster, and drew my own flip cards for lights, day shapes, code flags and morse code (them were the days!). I think the process of drawing them probably helped memorise the differences. (Most of it, apart from the regular ones, forgotten now, sadly.)
 
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