Navigation Light Violations at Night Risk Marine Incidents

Brisbane Water Police are finding increasing numbers of boats are not displaying the correct lights for their type of vessel.

With only a few exceptions, most recreational powerboats or personal watercraft on the water between sunset and sunrise must display an all-round white light whether they are underway or at anchor.

Water Police have found there is a common misconception that boats only have to switch on their 'anchor light' while at anchor, but in fact the all-round white light must be on at all times while they are on the water at night. It is only the red and green side lights that get switched off while at anchor.

Water Police officers are concerned that a lack of understanding about navigation lights is putting many boats, particularly smaller vessels, at risk of a vessel collision.

Regardless of the length of the journey and the operating area, navigational lights are required.

When correctly displayed, navigation lights indicate:

• the size of the boat
• the angle where you see them
• the direction the boat is travelling
• if the boat is underway or anchored.

Failure to display working navigation lights at night puts all vessel users at risk and in the past has been a contributing factor in marine incidents resulting in serious injuries or death.

Vessels at anchor in navigable waters must also display an all-round white light at night regardless of whether the vessel is attended or not.

Navigation lights should be fitted by the manufacturer or an authorised person. Smaller boats have several options including bracketed or combination suction-capped lights. These navigation lights are available from marine dealers.

If you are unsure of what navigation lights are required for your type of vessel contact your local Water Police, Qld Boating & Fisheries Patrol Office or go to: Maritime Safety Queensland Collision Regulations.

In addition to the risks of collision, there are also penalties for failing to have the correct navigation lights displayed between sunset and sunrise. Water Police do patrol waterways at night and vessel operators found in breach of the rules relating to use of navigation lights can incur a $322 on the spot fine.

Next time you use your boat, take a few moments to check that your navigation lights are operating and that they comply with regulations:

• Are your red, green, steaming and anchor lights operating?
• Are the lens of each light clean and not opaque?
• Are your navigation lights visible as per the arc diagram above?
• Are there spare light bulbs onboard your vessel that suit each navigation light?