Author: Boat Accessories Australia Date Posted: 24 September 2015
A Guide To Choosing Boat Lights
Traveling out on the ocean at night means you’ll require the correct lights on your boat to see and be seen out on the water. That’s why we’ve compiled this list featuring some of the most important details on getting the right lights so your journeys after-dark go off without a hitch.
Cabin & Galley Lights
Cabin or galley lights are used inside the boat for providing lighting for ceilings, charts, cockpits, reading or bunks. While they are important for larger boats travelling from one destination to another, it can best to turn them off when underwater as they reduce visibility.
Deck & Floodlights
Surface-mounted deck lights light small areas on the ship to provide adequate amounts lighting without interfering with vision. Floodlights or searchlights are much more powerful and are important for locating landmarks, buoys or anything that goes overboard.
Underwater Lights
Lights below the waterline make a boat look good at night and LED underwater lights are increasingly popular due to their ability to last longer and use less power than halogen or incandescent bulbs.
Being small, they also allow a wider variety of shapes and fittings to suit different boat sizes.
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| Quick Cabin Ceiling Light | Hella Marine LED Floodlight | AAA Underwater LED Light |
Legal Requirements
The installation and use of navigation lights must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) outlines many of the principles of this for each state but there are a few basic standards:
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| Lalizas Port & Starboard Lights | Lalizas All-White Stern Light | Hella Marine NaviLed Masthead Lights |
Boat Sizes
The AMSA also states powerboats less than 20m long need to show side lights, a stern light and a masthead light. For any of these vessels under 12m, it is only necessary to show a single all-round light.
Sailing vessels of less than 20m need to show side lights and a stern light and any vessel moving at night must show navigation lights. The only exception is rowing or sailing boats of less than 7m, although in this case they should carry a torch or lantern with a white light that should be show in sufficient time to prevent a collision.
When anchored outside a special anchorage, power and sail vessels of less than 20m must display an all-round light that should be able to shine through 360°. Vessels less than 7m are exempt unless anchored in a narrow channel or anchorage, or where other vessels typically navigate.
That's all for now! To find out more information, check out the huge range of products on offer from Boat Accessories Australia including deck, cabin, underwater and navigation lights.
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