Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

[squidwood]

Hi all,

I have a 3.0m inflatable and would like to have ago at some night time fishing off my local beach when the weather gets warmer or atleast if its dry and calm.

I would like to know if I have to display a certain colour or use a specific type of light!!

If there is no law for this size/type of craft then can anyone suggest a good light to use?


Regards
Dave

 

[cpubud]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

yes you need nav lights and all around light after dusk. they make them specificaly for inflatables.

 

[sasto]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

US Federal law requires only a flashlight if you have no motor and are using oars. Good luck fishing.

 

[squidwood]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

Thanks for your answers,

I thought I might need them, but even if I didnt then I would still have fitted some anyway just to be on the safe side and to be seen.

I have an engine fitted to my boat, will be giving it ago this saturday if the weather is good.

So do I need the red and green lights?

Regards

 

[sasto]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

only after sunset........enjoy yourself, be home before dark.

 

[cpubud]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

you need red and green for the bow and a white light for the stern. 3 lights total

 

[Don S]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

I'm sure you should check your local regulations, all of these replies are giving info from the US, not there in Lancashire UK where you are located.

 

[squidwood]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

Thanks again for the replys.

I thought that 'the sea was the sea' regardless of where it may be!!

I will check with my local authority to be sure and I will get a full set of lights (red, green & white)

Thanks for your help

regards
Dave

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

You may fall within the "7/7" rule contained in Rule 23 of the International Rules of the Road (for boats under 7 meters and a max speed of 7 knots) which dispenses with sidelights if they are not practical (an inflatable rubber boat with a small motor MAY qualify). You will need an all around white light no matter what. The rules are international and apply to everyone except the Somali pirates.

 

[squidwood]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

You may fall within the "7/7" rule contained in Rule 23 of the International Rules of the Road (for boats under 7 meters and a max speed of 7 knots) which dispenses with sidelights if they are not practical (an inflatable rubber boat with a small motor MAY qualify). You will need an all around white light no matter what. The rules are international and apply to everyone except the Somali pirates.

Thanks,

My boat is 2.9m and goes 25 knots (with 2 people and equipment).

I plan on making an 'A' frame, fixing it to the transom then mounting the lights off it.

Is it an offence to have the lights even if they may not be required?

if not then I will fit some anyway.

Regards
Dave

 

[sasto]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

Hi Dave....those red and green lights need to be on the bow.

 

[squidwood]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

Hi Dave....those red and green lights need to be on the bow.

Why do they need to be on the bow? they would be seen better on the 'A' frame as they would be higher!!

Thanks
Dave

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

They don't have to be on the bow. They have to be "As far forward as is practical". That is the law. I also have them mounted to the frame on my inflatable.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

My boat is 2.9m and goes 25 knots (with 2 people and equipment).

Sounds exciting.

 

[dboyd351]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

You still really need to check your local regulations. Not only are most people here telling you about U.S. regs, but it is possible for there to be more restrictive local regulations you must comply with in additional to federal/international regulations.
Believe it or not, in VA I got a ticket for not having a throwable life preserver on a 14 foot boat, which is specifically exempted from that requirement under U.S. Coast Guard regs (boats under 16 feet don't need them according to the USCG). VA has more stringent regs they try to enforce in addition to USCG regs.
Just ask the agency charged with enforcing the rules for a copy of the regulations or look it up on their website.

 

[azzurro]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

I believe Green&red must be in the bow.
Combined lights Red, green and white (such as placing them on the stern) are easy to confuse with sailing boats (sailing boats can use combined lights).

 

[jondavies]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

I carry a set of these, just in case I get caught out after dark:

Google "Portable Navigation Lights"

They come with various mounting options (suction cups, brackets etc.) and it's not hard to modify them to fit your needs.

Also, there's a company called Life+Gear that makes multicolored glow sticks -- they're cheap at about $5 each. I carry a red and green as a backup to the portable nav lights. These aren't USCG approved, but additional visibility can't be bad and they may come in handy if the main bow light goes down for some reason.

 

[squidwood]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

Thanks,

I have made my 'A' frame now so just need a set of lights to suit.

I think I will use battery powered lights as I will be able to take off and fit my 'A' frame without the worry of wires and a battery.

will post a picture when I have fitted the frame to my boat.

 

[produceguy]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

I do a little night fishing myself and if I see red and green lights I assume its the bow of the vessle, I guess I shouldnt assume.

 

[fisherguy123]

Re: Do I need navigation lights on an inflatable

last year I almost ran over a guy in a kayak at night....the only thing that saved him was my slow speed and he had an orange jacket on....what he was doing out on a salt-water bay at night was anyones guess. Please put lights on your inflatable so you don`t become a statistic.....by the way nothing against paddlers....I have 2 kayaks myself but I consider them to be fair weather ,daytime boats.