Spotlights and ColRegs Question

[Baddox]

Thanks for all the replies and opinions, there’s much food for thought.
The reason I asked the question is that when returning to the marina, which occasionally is after dark, I need to watch for floating debris as the marina is two miles up a tidal river. I’ve seen tree branches, fish boxes and then last Friday saw a full set of kitchen cupboards floating down river. Obviously I’d like to avoid these and thought lights would help me spot the debris early enough to take action. The marina is well lit so doesn’t need any extra illumination from a boat.
I already carry a hand held lamp, but this would be impractical to use as a headlight whilst underway. It looks like glare reflected from anything in front of the lights could cause more of a problem than the lights solve.

 

[colingr]

I’ve seen tree branches, fish boxes and then last Friday saw a full set of kitchen cupboards floating down river.

Interesting place that you berth. I've seen branches etc but never kitchen cupboards. Makes the Itchen seem positively boring!

 

[rob2]

I prefer to rely on night vision - and mine isn't too good to start with, so bright lights really hamper me. But I have found that a lookout on the foredeck is much better than from the cockpit. The only down side is that when motoring, the nav light can be distracting so choose your position with care so's not to get glare back off the pulpit.

I can't see how heat sensing could work for inanimate objects in the water, though.

Rob.

It's been suggested many times that to alert other vessels its best to shine a torch on the mainsail to avoid spoiling night vision.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Baddox.....Reading the situation in your last post and if it's regularly that bad I would be inclined to stick a flloodlight up on the crosstrees somewhere. If you'r up the river and in familiar waters I can see little value in retaining good night vision over missing those loads of rubbish.
That said, in most other situations I try to keep lights to an absolute minimum on board at night and I have plenty of red lights available at the nav' desk, a headtorch etc.

 

[ancientsailor]

The question was asked what was the ColRegs answer:

Rule 20

Application

(b) ... no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.

IMO It's probable therefore that an "always on" spotlight would breach this. I'm in the camp that a lookout forward - if practicable - is the best option to preserve night vision. Any light would have to be very well screened to avoid interfering with night vision and used with care to avoid affecting other vessels

As for alerting an oncoming ship to your presence:

Rule 36

Signals to attract attention

If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel any vessel may ... direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel.

I think shining a searchlight directly at a wheelhouse could be embarrassing - but I can see a case