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Rules of the Road
Lights & Shapes, Rule 21-International
Definitions
(a) "Masthead light" means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from the right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.
What else can I help you with?
What is the colour of the masthead light?
The masthead light is typically white in color. It is displayed at the top of a vessel to indicate the presence of another vessel at night.
What is the Arc of visibility of masthead light?
The arc of visibility for a masthead light is 225 degrees. This means that the light must be visible from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.
What is a masthead light?
A masthead light is a white light located at the highest point of a vessel, typically on the mast or superstructure. It helps other vessels identify the boat's presence, direction of travel, and size when navigating in low visibility conditions. The masthead light is required by maritime regulations, especially at night or in restricted visibility.
What do white lights indicate on a vessel?
White lights on a vessel typically indicate the presence of a stern light or a masthead light. A stern light is positioned at the rear of the vessel and is visible from behind, while a masthead light is found at the top of the vessel's mast and shines forward. Both lights are essential for navigation and safety, helping to indicate the vessel's presence and direction to other mariners. In some cases, all-around white lights may also indicate that a vessel is anchored or aground.
A powerboat is operating at night from which directions must the white masthead light be visible?
Rule 21 of the Navigational Rules of the Road. (a) "Masthead light" Means a white light placed over the fore and aft center-line of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft of the beam on either side of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters (39'4") in length the masthead light shall be placed as nearly as practical to the fore and aft center-line of the vessel.
What may power driven vessel show instead of the masthead light?
A power-driven vessel may show an all-round white light instead of a masthead light when at anchor. Additionally, when under way and restricted in her ability to maneuver, she may display a special light configuration, including a white light at the top and red and green sidelights. This ensures other vessels can easily identify her status and intentions.
What direction should the masthead light be visible from while boating at night?
The masthead light on a vessel should be visible from the front and sides, specifically from 22.5 degrees on either side of the bow, extending to the stern. This light is white and must be displayed from sunset to sunrise, ensuring that other vessels can see your boat's heading and position. Proper visibility of the masthead light is crucial for safe navigation and collision avoidance at night.
What may a power driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length show instead of the masthead light and sternlight?
A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may show an all-round white light in lieu of the masthead light and sternlight. This all-round white light must be visible from all directions and is typically mounted at a height that ensures visibility. Additionally, the vessel may also display sidelights if it is engaged in activities requiring them.
On power-driven vessals what are the navigation lights?
Generally they are masthead light, port and starboard steaming light and stern light. Others may be displayed depending on the length of the vessel and what duties it is carrying out.
What should you do if you see a green and white light on a vessel at night?
The green light would be the starboard steaming light, the white the masthead light. What you would do would depend on factors such as its releative bearing and in what waters you are sailing.
What may a power drivin vess less than 12 meters in length carry instead of the masthead light and sternlight?
A power-driven vessel less than 12 meters in length may carry an all-round white light instead of the standard masthead light and sternlight. This all-round white light must be visible from all directions and should be positioned at or near the highest point of the vessel to ensure visibility. Additionally, the vessel should display side lights when operating between sunset and sunrise.
What navigation lights does a power driven vessel display when underway?
When underway, a power-driven vessel displays a combination of navigation lights: a white masthead light at the front, sidelights (green on the starboard side and red on the port side), and a white stern light at the rear. The masthead light is visible from ahead and extends 225 degrees, while the sidelights are visible from the side and ahead. The stern light provides visibility from behind. These lights help ensure the vessel is seen and identified by other vessels during nighttime or low visibility conditions.
