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Lights required on boats
Find out about navigation light requirements and placement.
All vessels that operate from sunset to sunrise, whether at anchor or underway, must carry and display the required lights.
A vessel is underway when it is not:
- Anchored
- Moored to the shore
- Aground.
Navigation lights must also be displayed during daylight hours in periods of restricted visibility.
The lights on your boat must be placed and displayed appropriate to the size and class of your boat.
These lights tell other boat operators what your boat is doing, whether it is at anchor, under sail or motoring.
Range of visibility and placement of lights
Range of visibility
| Vessel length | Masthead light | Sidelight | Stern light | All round lights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 metres to 20 metres | 3 miles | 2 miles | 2 miles | 2 miles |
| Under 12 metres | 2 miles | 1 mile | 2 miles | 2 miles |
Placement of lights
Navigation lights
Navigation lights must be positioned so they are not obscured by the vessels superstructure or interfered with by the deck lights.
Masthead
The masthead and/or all round white light must be fitted (if practical) on the centre line (bow to stern) of the vessel.
Lights required for power vessels underway
| Vessel length | Typical appearance | Lighting requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Under 7 metres (maximum speed not exceeding 7 knots) |  |
Must display a white light visible all round and, if possible, separate or combined sidelights. |
| Vessels under 12 metres |  |
Must display one of the following:
Masthead or white all round light shall be carried at least 1 metre above the sidelights. |
| 12 metres to 20 metres |  |
Must display one of the following:
The masthead light shall be carried at least 2.5 metres above the gunwale. Combined sidelights shall be carried at least 1 metre below the masthead light. |
Lights required for non-powered vessels underway
Sailing vessels while underway (being motor driven) must display navigation lights applicable to power driven vessels.
| Vessel length | Typical appearance | Lighting requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Under 7 metres, and all paddle craft |   |
Must exhibit one of the following:
|
| 7 metres to 20 metres |  |
Must display one of the following:
|
| Over 20 metres |  |
|
Optional lights
A sailing vessel of any length, which is fitted with sidelights and a stern light (but not a combined lantern) may, in addition, carry two all round lights in a vertical line at or near the top of the mast. The upper light must be red and lower green.
Vessels at anchor (less than 50 metres)
Vessels less than 50 metres in length at anchor, must display an all round white light placed where it may best be seen.
Anchor lights must always be shown from sunset to sunrise. If you are at anchor or in a busy area, then show additional lights to ensure you are seen and keep a good watch.
There are many other combinations of lights used on vessels. The lights shown relate to the activity the vessel is engaged in, for example: fishing, dredging, not under command.
Note: A simple rule of thumb for a small power boat is to stay clear of any vessels exhibiting additional lights.
More information
Download the brochure below for more details on how to place and install navigation lights.
| Safety equipment: Navigation lights | Kb | |
| Mandurah canal navigation | Kb | |
The Prevention of Collision at Sea Regulations 1983 also provide more information on navigation light requirements.
| Department of Justice: Prevention of Collisions at Sea Regulations 1983 (WA) |
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