When to use nav lights?

[L4RRY]

I infact don't have nav lights on my rib, however am thinking of going out at about 4pm today and getting back in around 8pm. Obviously it won't be dark by then but would I have to use nav lights because it's classed as evening or dusk?

If not, when would they have to be used apart from in fog etc?

All help welcome


Thanks

[BogMonster]

I don't know when you are "supposed" to use them but I use mine in any conditions when visibility is not that good be it fog or dark. Then again there is not much to run into round here 'cept rocks

[Avocet]

Originally Posted by L4RRY

I infact don't have nav lights on my rib, however am thinking of going out at about 4pm today and getting back in around 8pm. Obviously it won't be dark by then but would I have to use nav lights because it's classed as evening or dusk?

If not, when would they have to be used apart from in fog etc?

All help welcome


Thanks

Navigation lights MUST be exhibited from sunset to sunrise and from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility (any conditions in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorm, sandstorm and other similar causes). They MAY be exhibited in all other circumstances when deemed necessary. (COLREGS Rule 20).

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Avocet

Navigation lights MUST be exhibited from sunset to sunrise

which is 21:21 local time tonight for southampton according to the BBC website.

Originally Posted by L4RRY

am thinking of going out at about 4pm today and getting back in around 8pm.

so you should be OK - but make sure you have atleast got some sort of lights powerful torch with you in case you run into any problems and are delayed or need assistance.

[BassBoy]

I think a Vessel under 7m travelling at under 7knots requires minimum of an all round white light 1m above the deck

[Avocet]

Originally Posted by BassBoy

I think a Vessel under 7m travelling at under 7knots requires minimum of an all round white light 1m above the deck

Correct - but presumably a 40hp Mariner on a 4m+ rib will do more than 7 knots and will, therefore, require red/green sidelights in addition.

[BassBoy]

Not if it was travelling at 7knots or less! There is no rule regarding a boats potential speed, only the speed it may travel at given the lights displayed.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by BassBoy

I think a Vessel under 7m travelling at under 7knots requires minimum of an all round white light 1m above the deck

I think you will find it says "capable of" not "travelling at"

[Erin]

Depending upon where you boat, and leaving aside the fine print of the col regs, it would be foolish to go out without some appropriate nav lights. I would certainly fit port, starboard and steaming lamp if you want to be seen and properly identified by fast ferries and any other vessel that may do you damage in poor vis.

[BogMonster]

What about if you are in a 3 metre SIB that can do 15 knots but has nowhere to stick any lights?

Must be a market there for a hard hat with Nav lights fitted to it

[Observer]

Originally Posted by Polwart

I think you will find it says "capable of" not "travelling at"

The actual wording is "a power driven vessel of less than 7 metres in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots".

It is (possibly deliberately) ambiguous - could be interpreted as "maximum speed of which the vessel is capable" or "maximum speed at which it is actually used".

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Observer

The actual wording is "a power driven vessel of less than 7 metres in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots".

It is (possibly deliberately) ambiguous - could be interpreted as "maximum speed of which the vessel is capable" or "maximum speed at which it is actually used".

thanks tim. OK - i'll agree that either interpretation is possible.