Vessel lighting requirements

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Your vessel must display lights from sunset to sunrise and in rain and fog to help other boats know which way you're heading. Not using lights could result in a fine.

Out at night? Show a light

  • If your boat is at anchor at night, and is less than 50m in length, you must show an all-round white light where it will be visible from all directions
  • Lights have a minimum range of 1 nautical mile for sidelights and 2 nautical miles for white lights
  • Check that the lights fitted to your boat are showing through the correct arc
  • Sailing boats have different light configuration requirements.
  • When you are drift fishing navigation lights must be shown.
Image showing vessel light requirements

Powerboats over 12m

Need to display a masthead light, sidelights and sternlight.

Powerboats under 12m

May show all-round white light (instead of masthead light and sternlight) + sidelights.

Anchor light

Every boat at anchor must show only a white light that is visible from all directions between sunset and sunrise.

Sailing boats motoring or motor-sailing

Are considered to be powerboats and must display sidelights, a sternlight and a masthead light.

Dinghies and kayaks under 7m in length

Must show a white light or torch.

Powerboats under 7m and not capable of speeds over 7 knots

Need only display an all-round white light.

Masthead light

Masthead light shine forward in a 225 degree arc and must be at least 1m above the sidelights.