Dumb question on Running lights.

[lake_time_2]

Dumb question on Running lights.

I have a 19 foot boat and seem to be confused by they way some people run at night (dusk/dawn) and the US Coast Guard info I have.<br />Am I correct in thinking that when running I should have my red and green front light on and my white light at the back on? And when at anchor I should have just my white back light on?<br />Sorry for such a dumb question but I keep seeing different people doing different stuff and an SOOOO new to boating I want to start on the right foot. Thanks Dave

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

you are correct.

 

[JB]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Yes. Ditto Mattttt.<br /><br />Now, what was your "dumb" question?

 

[burp]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

There was a change in vessel lighting requirements when "adrift", effective Jan 1, 2003. Old-a vessel could display an all-around white light when adrift. New-vessels adrift must show proper navigational lights for being underway. At anchor is still the all-around white light.

 

[lake_time_2]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Ok this is great... so why do people only run with the bow lights on and not the all around white?? any idea?

 

[Beaux]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

See, Not a dumb question. I would have given a dumb answer though.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Look at it this way, if you're going down the Lake at night and there is a Boat in front of you without it's stern light on, chances are you will not see his boat at all in the distance or which way he is heading. Kinda the same as having tailights on a car.

 

[Beaux]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

I agree with you guys... I checked the coast guard website and on vessels less than 12m you need green/red running and a 2 mile visible all around white light.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

deserves a bump.<br /><br />as a naval officer who used to drive ships, i can say that even with today's technology, we use light patterns to ID craft and determine their movement more than anything else. we are taught to determine target angle and bearing drift and depend on people using the proper lights.<br /><br />please read through the rules of the road book and understand the lighting basics.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Gotta love playing with vectors and the laws of physics.

 

[JHOLE]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

I hope I can do this. I came across this awhile ago. It's both fun and informative, but it takes some time. Seems to be on topic.<br /><br /> web page

 

[JHOLE]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

WOOOHOOO !!! That's the first time I did that.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

I believe that most people who run without their their white light on do so because it hurts their night vision. It's not a good practice and can be partially solved by blanking about 30 degrees of the light directly behind the pilot. I think you can buy lights already blanked, but am not sure.

 

[Bear]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

More:<br /> http://www.boatsafe.com/flash/reviewlights.html <br /> <br /><br /> http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/sidelights.htm

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

lake-time2,<br /> All three lights should be ON while underway.The port and starboard lights arc 22.5 degree's abaft abeam.Any vessel behind that arc of light will not be able to see you unless your sternlight is lit.I use a 1/2" sliver of duct or electrical tape on the leading(forward)side of the sternlight lens myself(so it's not shining in your eye's when looking sternward).Better yet,is an all-around light mounted above eye level.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Nothing new about lighting out here in the west. Have always been required to have all three light on while underway in low visibilty conditions or at night.<br />Underway is defind as not tied to a dock, at anchore or aground. <br />This also means while engines off and adrift can still be the give way vessel and required to stay clear. Not usually a problem but has been that way since 1972 when I took my first coast guard class.<br />Light underway red to port, green to starboard and white to stern. If use a white all around light for you stern it must be higher than your bow lights.<br /><br />Why people do not do it, Most out here have never took a class or picked up the regs don't know the rules of the road or sound signals. All they know is turn the key and go until they run agound hit something or get where they are going.<br />I feel all should be required to pass a basic test. Open book at home or whatever but at least will have to read answers one time.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Good point on testing. Alabama starting requiring tests on the basics for boaters several years ago and its noted on your driver's license. Nothing elaborate, but at least people should know the elementary safety rules. Havn't seen any statistics on accidents, but it has to help.

 

[Lake Ozark Guy]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

I use to fly a little and this works on boats also. RRR means RED RIGHT RETURN. Just like there are old pilots and bold pilots, but no OLD and BOLD pilots. Wonder if this applies to water? Thought this was worth a mention.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Wow - this is an old one. Since it's returned from the dead I thought I'd mention I got stopped by a police marine patrol at dusk a couple years back as they noticed I had taped up my white stern light just as some have mentioned above.

They were understanding about my desire to reduce glare when I was looking astern but made me rip the tape off right there and then anyway. The white light must be visible 360 degrees apparently.

Not sure how this helps as my body still blocks at least a few degrees of white light to anyone in front of me and now they're also dealing with a half-blinded boater as well.

Perhaps a stern light on a fifteen foot pole is the answer...

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

Re: Dumb question on Running lights.

My boat has a t-top and I have my 360 light mounted on top. I think I'm legal this way, and I don't have any glare issues.

My previous boats all had the lights mounted lower, and looking behind you at night was difficult at best.​