Solar Navigation Lights - any UK users?

[thinwater]

I would take you to task on that. At least on UK charts one will see a number of chart symbols for anchorage areas:-
Anch--Anchorage
Picture of an anchor in a dotted shape
Term " Small craft anchorage in similar dotted outline
Some others that I cannot recall at the present as they do not occur on my charts so I have not used them
So if a navigator sees these notes on a chart when navigating an estuary one might well expect to see a group of varying vessels on long term moorings without lights
I do not know about chart plotters, navionics etc. I tend to use charts for passage plans so make notes of what to look out for when approaching such areas at night.
If a visiting craft decides to moor slap in the middle of a line of tidy trots then one might expect a light to be displayed to assist returning vessels. If said vessel decideds to moor on the edge of the area one might also expect a light due to it being in a vunerable spot to passing vessels
It is just common sense really

An anchorage area means some bloke decide that is a place people might anchor. By no stretch of the imagination does that lessen the obligation to show light, since the writers of COLREGS knew about anchor marks on charts. In fact, the writers of COLREGS clearly would have considered this to be the most common case.

No, not common sense at all. Boats show anchor lights in anchorages, because that, by and large, is where people anchor.

 

[requiem]

The anchored vs moored discussion seems to have a bit in common with road cyclists arguing why it's ok for them to ignore traffic signals in some circumstances. ("But we have better visibility", "we can judge for ourselves when it's safe", "it's haaard to get moving again after a stop".)

But, it occurs to me that the US "special anchorage" rule is along similar lines to a well-known mooring field: why show lights if everyone knows to watch for anchored vessels there? Similarly, if an anchorage is picked out on the chart just as a mooring field may be, shouldn't anchored vessels be just as justified in not showing lights? To me the anchored v. moored distinction is attempting to create a loophole through mistaken semantics.

Back to the topic, the solar panel on that light looks like one of those cheap garden lights that barely lasts a year. They use the cheapest rechargeable batteries inside which don't last that long either.

You may be able to swap the batteries; it's one of the first things I did when adding some cheap garden lights at home. Rule 30 allows for flexibility, and two anchor lights is technically the default arrangement.

 

[oldmanofthehills]

That only applies to the river Thames. It is effectively a bye-law and is not precedent for anywhere else. Most rivers harbours and many anchorages are controlled by port/harbour authorities which are mostly established by their own Act and set their own bye-laws although inevitably there is a lot of commonality. Major naval ports like Plymouth and Portsmouth are controlled by the Kings Harbourmaster and have their own specific powers. Not aware of any that require boats on moorings (which are licensed by the authority) to be lit at night. Harbour charts identify mooring areas.

An awful lot of small boat moorings in the UK are Tidal. Thus owned by the King though maybe leased to others. The still tranquility of some of these spots would be ruined by field of anchor lights, though many are protected from intrusion by those unfamiliar by pilot notes saying "Entry at night not advisable"

The Kings HM has not asked the clubs in Plymouth Sound to ask that lights are shown when on swinging mooring or trot. The liveaboards anchored in the Dandy Hole dont generally show lights, though we do as visitors.

 

[thinwater]

That only applies to the river Thames. It is effectively a bye-law and is not precedent for anywhere else. Most rivers harbours and many anchorages are controlled by port/harbour authorities which are mostly established by their own Act and set their own bye-laws although inevitably there is a lot of commonality. Major naval ports like Plymouth and Portsmouth are controlled by the Kings Harbourmaster and have their own specific powers. Not aware of any that require boats on moorings (which are licensed by the authority) to be lit at night. Harbour charts identify mooring areas.

Is there something in writing that says you do NOT have to show an anchor light? In the US there are specific lists. I assume there must be something similar. I think it is obvious that they ARE required to be lit unless something says they are not. I believe you may be thinking of custom, like many common forms of bad driving, rather than law.

For example, in the US there is this list:
special anchorage list

In the US most boats on moorings do not show lights. However, this is custom, not law, and when they get struck they are routinely found to be partly at fault, because the boat was not properly lit. There is no defense that holds water. To my knowledge, if a field wants and exemption, they must file to be on the federal list, given above. Otherwise, the default is that you must have a light. I'm pretty sure the default would be to light in the UK, unless there is a specific exemption for a specific location.

Yes, in the US local harbormasters set local regulations. To my knowledge, they cannot supersede the lighting rule except by federal listing. That could easily be different in the UK, but it would still be in writing, I am sure. There is also an exemption for boats less than 7 M unless near a channel (near is not defined).

Is there an equivalent listing or local law in the UK? A serious question. I am curious. You should be curious. One example? I showed you my example.

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There is a long discussion here on this same forum. To my reading, there was lots of arguing and no resolution based on regulations. BTW, discussions on US forums go the same way, even though the rule here is 100% clear ... and mostly ignored.

Your boat. I'd rather be seen. And yes, boats get hit while anchored or moored and there is case law.https://www.jud6.org/LegalCommunity/LegalPractice/opinions/appellatedivisionopinions/2009/08-00075%20APANO%20Baltrunas.htm. The fact that the anchored boat was not lit was a significant factor.

 

[Plum]

Is there something in writing that says you do NOT have to show an anchor light? In the US there are specific lists. I assume there must be something similar. I think it is obvious that they ARE required to be lit unless something says they are not. I believe you may be thinking of custom, like many common forms of bad driving, rather than law.

For example, in the US there is this list:
special anchorage list

In the US most boats on moorings do not show lights. However, this is custom, not law, and when they get struck they are routinely found to be partly at fault, because the boat was not properly lit. There is no defense that holds water. To my knowledge, if a field wants and exemption, they must file to be on the federal list, given above. Otherwise, the default is that you must have a light. I'm pretty sure the default would be to light in the UK, unless there is a specific exemption for a specific location.

Yes, in the US local harbormasters set local regulations. To my knowledge, they cannot supersede the lighting rule except by federal listing. That could easily be different in the UK, but it would still be in writing, I am sure. There is also an exemption for boats less than 7 M unless near a channel (near is not defined).

Is there an equivalent listing or local law in the UK? A serious question. I am curious. You should be curious. One example? I showed you my example.

---

There is a long discussion here on this same forum. To my reading, there was lots of arguing and no resolution based on regulations. BTW, discussions on US forums go the same way, even though the rule here is 100% clear ... and mostly ignored.

Your boat. I'd rather be seen. And yes, boats get hit while anchored or moored and there is case law.https://www.jud6.org/LegalCommunity/LegalPractice/opinions/appellatedivisionopinions/2009/08-00075%20APANO%20Baltrunas.htm. The fact that the anchored boat was not lit was a significant factor.

I have never come across a UK harbour master, harbour authority, port authority, local by-law, etc. in the UK that says boats on moorings (referring to fixed moorings, not a boat on its own anchor) have to be lit and there are certainly no list that define locations where they do not need to be lit. I have never heard of a UK skipper being prosecuted for not showing a light on a mooring. It is very different here in the UK, luckily.

 

[Daydream believer]

An anchorage area means some block decide that is a place people might anchor. By no stretch of the imagination does that lessen the obligation to show light, since the writers of COLREGS knew about anchor marks on charts. In fact, the writers of COLREGS clearly would have considered this to be the most common case.

No, not common sense at all. Boats show anchor lights in anchorages, because that, by and large, is where people anchor.

The reference to "anch" was to demonstrate that you were incorrect when you said that such areas were not indicated. They are.
One needs to read all my post in context. I was not suggesting that an ocassional visitor anchored temporarliy in an unusual spot should not be lit- Quite the opposite

 

[thinwater]

I have never come across a UK harbour master, harbour authority, port authority, local by-law, etc. in the UK that says boats on moorings (referring to fixed moorings, not a boat on its own anchor) have to be lit and there are certainly no list that define locations where they do not need to be lit. I have never heard of a UK skipper being prosecuted for not showing a light on a mooring. It is very different here in the UK, luckily.

Not prosecution. Not here either. But if your boat is struck, the other lawyer will point out that you did not exercise your responsibility to light the boat.

 

[thinwater]

The reference to "anch" was to demonstrate that you were incorrect when you said that such areas were not indicated. They are.
One needs to read all my post in context. I was not suggesting that an ocassional visitor anchored temporarliy in an unusual spot should not be lit- Quite the opposite

Individual moorings are not plotted. Not all moorings are in marked areas. There is no regulation that says a mooring must be in a plotted area.

I get your point. But a mooring is not like a marked parking place on the street.

As near as I can tell, the UK adopted COLREGS by virtual reference, as virtually all western countries have. Thus it is the default until a specific rule says otherwise. The only references I can find say you do need a light, but they were all for relativity larger harbors. They quoted COLREGS.

All I can find is this YWB thread that reached no conclusion. The same happens on US threads. Achor light on a mooring buoy

The exceptions for craft less than 7 M, for example, come from an age where the original form of light--an oil lamp--was impractical. But that is not the current age. is it? The basic rules predate electricity, and certainly solar and LEDs.

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Seeing that there is nothing in writing, I will assume it is just custom. And no, this is not something that is inforced in the US. But all sailors know that if their boat is not lit and it gets hit, some portion of that will be on them. If it's lit with a garden light, that will probably not help much. Just sayin', do what you will.

Thanks!

 

[thinwater]

I have never come across a UK harbour master, harbour authority, port authority, local by-law, etc. in the UK that says boats on moorings (referring to fixed moorings, not a boat on its own anchor) have to be lit and there are certainly no list that define locations where they do not need to be lit. I have never heard of a UK skipper being prosecuted for not showing a light on a mooring....

Actually, this is exactly the same in the US. I have never had the lighting requirement mentioned to me or seen it in a local regulation.

It is on your boating exam (if you are young enough to fall under that), and the state regs, in every safety pamphlet, and you are just supposed to know it. Like crossing rules.

---

From GOV.UK
8. Guidance for Pleasure Vessels on the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREG)
8.1 With respect to navigation and collision avoidance, any person in charge of any vessel
that proceeds to sea, irrespective of size, is required to comply with the Merchant
Shipping (Distress Signals & Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/75), as
amended. These UK regulations implement the International Regulations for the
Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREG) and set out penalties.
8.2 The Regulations apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters which are
navigable by seagoing vessels. They require that all vessels that proceed to sea are
correctly provided with, and exhibit, navigation lights, shapes and sound signalling
devices consistent with the vessels' length, type and circumstances. Navigation lights
are required if the vessel is likely to operate at night or in poor visibility by day.
8.3 Appropriate authorities may also make special rules which cover roadsteads, harbours,
rivers, lakes or inland waterways connected with the high seas and navigable by
seagoing vessels, which shall conform as closely as possible to the COLREG. It is
important to familiarise yourself with any such special rules that apply to the local areas
you operate your vessel as theses may include additional requirements to those in the
COLREG.
8.4 The COLREG consist of the following sections: -
Part A – General
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Part C – Lights and Shapes
Part D – Sound and Light Signals
Part E – Exemptions
Part F – Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention
Annex I – Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes
Annex II – Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity
Annex III – Technical details of sound signal appliances
Annex IV – Distress signals
8.5 Owners should ensure that the lights they provide on their vessels are of approved types,
displayed in their correct position(s) on the vessel as required by Annex I of the COLREG.
MGN 393 gives advice on how recreational and small craft should apply navigation light
requirements: “Recreational and small craft owners should satisfy themselves that their
vessels fully comply with the requirements for the carriage of navigation lights and that
any replacement light sources for incandescent lights perform within the requirements
set out in COLREG and are suitable if fitted to sailing vessels”. One approach owners of
Pleasure Vessels can take is to fit lights approved by a Notified Body under the Marine
Equipment Directive or approved by a Recognised Organisation acting as an
independent approval body.
8.6 Information with regard to COLREG and their current extant version can be obtained
from MSN 1781 Amendment 2

In a nutshell, the UK addopted COLREGS by reference. My concern, which started this, is that I have tested many anchor lights for publication, and those that did list USCG or UN navigation light approvals ALWAYS failed some portion of the requirements. Usually insufficient visability. People need to know that.

 

[Stemar]

If there are no rules regarding lights on boats on moorings, I would guess that it's because, at the time rules were being drawn up, it simply wasn't practicable to have them. Yes, it's easier now, but finding a solar light that will work reliably all night every night through a series of dreary winter days isn't going to be easy - you'd need a light connected to some substantial battery power and good-sized solar panels, not the little things that come with self-contained lights.

In the majority of cases (all?) moorings are controlled by the local harbour authority, and areas with them marked on charts. I would suggest that, where lights are needed to indicate the safe channel through mooring areas, that should be the responsibility of that authority.

 

[Plum]

Actually, this is exactly the same in the US. I have never had the lighting requirement mentioned to me or seen it in a local regulation.

It is on your boating exam (if you are young enough to fall under that), and the state regs, in every safety pamphlet, and you are just supposed to know it. Like crossing rules.

---

From GOV.UK
8. Guidance for Pleasure Vessels on the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREG)
8.1 With respect to navigation and collision avoidance, any person in charge of any vessel
that proceeds to sea, irrespective of size, is required to comply with the Merchant
Shipping (Distress Signals & Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/75), as
amended. These UK regulations implement the International Regulations for the
Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREG) and set out penalties.
8.2 The Regulations apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters which are
navigable by seagoing vessels. They require that all vessels that proceed to sea are
correctly provided with, and exhibit, navigation lights, shapes and sound signalling
devices consistent with the vessels' length, type and circumstances. Navigation lights
are required if the vessel is likely to operate at night or in poor visibility by day.
8.3 Appropriate authorities may also make special rules which cover roadsteads, harbours,
rivers, lakes or inland waterways connected with the high seas and navigable by
seagoing vessels, which shall conform as closely as possible to the COLREG. It is
important to familiarise yourself with any such special rules that apply to the local areas
you operate your vessel as theses may include additional requirements to those in the
COLREG.
8.4 The COLREG consist of the following sections: -
Part A – General
Part B – Steering and Sailing Rules
Part C – Lights and Shapes
Part D – Sound and Light Signals
Part E – Exemptions
Part F – Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention
Annex I – Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes
Annex II – Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity
Annex III – Technical details of sound signal appliances
Annex IV – Distress signals
8.5 Owners should ensure that the lights they provide on their vessels are of approved types,
displayed in their correct position(s) on the vessel as required by Annex I of the COLREG.
MGN 393 gives advice on how recreational and small craft should apply navigation light
requirements: “Recreational and small craft owners should satisfy themselves that their
vessels fully comply with the requirements for the carriage of navigation lights and that
any replacement light sources for incandescent lights perform within the requirements
set out in COLREG and are suitable if fitted to sailing vessels”. One approach owners of
Pleasure Vessels can take is to fit lights approved by a Notified Body under the Marine
Equipment Directive or approved by a Recognised Organisation acting as an
independent approval body.
8.6 Information with regard to COLREG and their current extant version can be obtained
from MSN 1781 Amendment 2

In a nutshell, the UK addopted COLREGS by reference. My concern, which started this, is that I have tested many anchor lights for publication, and those that did list USCG or UN navigation light approvals ALWAYS failed some portion of the requirements. Usually insufficient visability. People need to know that.

I, and I expect everyone else in the UK, is aware of what you have quoted from our Government's website, so not sure why you are telling us. Regarding when you say "It is on your boating exam (if you are young enough to fall under that), and the state regs,...." I assume you are refiring to the USA as we do not have required boating exams or state regs.

 

[bergie]

If there are no rules regarding lights on boats on moorings, I would guess that it's because, at the time rules were being drawn up, it simply wasn't practicable to have them.

Our anchor light goes on automatically at night whenever the (Signal K) anchor alarm is active. So far we've only been activating that on a mooring if the buoy has seemed somewhat sketchy.

But maybe we should reconsider that and start running the light consistently also when on a mooring ball. So far the argument was (as pointed above) that there aren't really clear rules about it. And the mooring ball is there always, and so one would think that boats would navigate carefully in order to not hit it, occupied or not.

 

[Sandy]

Well this is the last topic that I would have thought go down a COLREGS rabbit hole!

To answer the original question. It really depends what type of sailing you do. They might be useful if you usually day sail and get caught out and need to sail in poor visibility or after sunset, but for what I call normal sailing, early starts/late finishes and multiple nights at sea, are as useful as a cholate tea pot.