Lighting systems, like any other mode of transportation, are essential for safe travel at night or in low-light situations. Marine navigational illumination is one of the most crucial aspects of vessel operation, and understanding of it is put to the test throughout nautical training.

Indeed, the International Maritime Conference established global navigational light requirements, with three primary hues — red, green, and white — that are being used for safety and navigation today. Depending on the sort of boat, its length, how it's powered, where it's going, and if it's at anchor, different parametres apply.

These lights are also installed in a recognizable pattern on vessels: a green light on the starboard side, a red light on the port side, and a white light on the stern. Two spotlights are also required for the masthead. In COLREGS, the way these lights are positioned to indicate the type of vessel is detailed.

 This great resource offers some guidelines:

• The following set of navigation lights is required for propelled vessels shorter than 39.4 feet (12 metres).
• • One all-around white light viewable from 360 degrees and a distance of two miles; and one pair of red and green sidelights visible from 112.5 degrees and a distance of one mile.
• The all-around white light on a boat of this size must be mounted at least 39 inches above the sidelights.
• If your yacht is over 39.4 feet but under 65.6 feet (20 metres), you'll require the following navigation lights:
• • A masthead light is a white light mounted on the boat's front. The masthead light must be visible from two miles away and across 225 degrees.A stern light, which is a white light at the rear of the boat. The stern light needs to be visible across 135 degrees and from two miles away. When the masthead light and the stern light are combined, that makes up 360 degrees.
• Finally, you need one pair of red and green sidelights that are visible across 112.5 degrees and from a distance of one mile.

The masthead light must be at least 8 feet above the gunnel for boats of this size. If you're updating or installing marine navigation lights on your boat, LED lights may be a better option than standard bulbs and fixtures. Remember that whichever type of lighting you use, it must meet with COLREG and US Coast Guard rules and be installed at the proper lighting angles to ensure that you are visible to other boaters on the water.

However, there are a few stipulations. When dealing with an upgrade, certain older and traditional lighting fixtures aren't prepared to accept newer LED bulbs, therefore everything (fixture and bulb) may need to be replaced out.

There are a few caveats, though. When dealing with an upgrade, some current and traditional lighting fixtures aren't prepared to accept newer LED bulbs, and everything (fixture and bulb) may need to be replaced out. Also, keep your communication gadgets away from lights that produce electromagnetic interference

Finally, keep in mind that not all LED lighting is made equal, and it's tempting to choose the cheapest choice. LED lighting and fixtures of lower grade have a shorter lifespan and are less energy efficient. Purchasing high-quality lighting, on the other hand, can provide piece of mind in knowing that it will stand the test of time and keep operators safe without abruptly failing before the claimed lifetime claims.

It's not something you should do on your own to make sure you have the correct marine navigation lights. Consider working with a lighting partner that can help you make an informed decision, make recommendations on key factors, and work within your budget so you don't have to sacrifice quality.

To learn more about your navigational lighting options, contact our team of marine lighting experts, especially if you're interested in upgrading to LED illumination. We are dedicated to providing a high-quality product as well as timely, polite, and professional customer support, whether you are working on a new external maritime lighting project or retrofitting an existing plan.