Navigation Lights

Navigation lights communicate a vessel’s direction, type and activity after dark and in restricted visibility.

The basic colours

• Red: the port sidelight.
• Green: the starboard sidelight.
• White: may be a masthead, stern, all-round or towing light depending on position and context.

Read the complete pattern

Never identify a situation from one light in isolation. Consider the complete pattern, its position, your relative bearing and whether that bearing changes over time.

Why bearing matters

A steady bearing with decreasing distance can indicate a risk of collision. Lights help you understand the vessel, but a proper lookout and early assessment remain essential.