Could someone set me straight regarding the differences between a steaming light, mast light, and anchor light (their intention, where they should be located, and when to use them)?
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Lights
Al steaming light: about two thirds the way up the mast, faces forward (see reference books for coverage - 225 degrees?) used when motoring (NOT sailing) at night; use running lights all the time at night. When you're sailing (only under sail) at night, turn off the steaming light. Use only when the motor is on (even if you're motorsailing) at night. mast light: I assume you mean the "downlight" that is usually built into the steaming light, called combination steaming mast lights), only used to light up your foredeck anchor light: top of the mast, all around (360 degrees) fixture, for when you're anchored. Do not ever use when moving.
Al steaming light: about two thirds the way up the mast, faces forward (see reference books for coverage - 225 degrees?) used when motoring (NOT sailing) at night; use running lights all the time at night. When you're sailing (only under sail) at night, turn off the steaming light. Use only when the motor is on (even if you're motorsailing) at night. mast light: I assume you mean the "downlight" that is usually built into the steaming light, called combination steaming mast lights), only used to light up your foredeck anchor light: top of the mast, all around (360 degrees) fixture, for when you're anchored. Do not ever use when moving.
Mast and Anchor Lightss
A steaming light is used when you are using your engine in the dark, fog, etc. It tells other boats that you are a "power" boat. An anchor light is only used when you are at anchor. It is the light at the top of your mast. The mast light, if I understand your term correctly, is used to illuminate the deck when you need to see there. The best way to understand these lights is to go out at night and try them.
A steaming light is used when you are using your engine in the dark, fog, etc. It tells other boats that you are a "power" boat. An anchor light is only used when you are at anchor. It is the light at the top of your mast. The mast light, if I understand your term correctly, is used to illuminate the deck when you need to see there. The best way to understand these lights is to go out at night and try them.
A bit complicated
I went to the boatsmart course and initiated a big discussion about this. Seems even the instructors have some problems with it. I copied my conclusion from the archives: The (Coast Guard ) manual requiress white MASTHEAD LIGHTS on all vessels less than 20 meters, including powerboats. They are defined as "white lights that shine 225 degrees forward". (As opposed to ALL AROUND LIGHTS (360 degrees) SIDELIGHTS (red port, green starboard) and STERNLIGHTS (135 degrees aft). It does mention that on sailboats masthead lights "are seldom at the top of the mast, but partway down". So, it seems, by law, that we as sailors must have a white masthead light, but it cannot be used while under sail power. So, on my hunter, I have a RUNNING LIGHTS switch (which is SIDE and STERN lights)...I have STEAMING lights (which is the MASTHEAD light)...and an ANCHOR light, which must be the ALL AROUND LIGHT. While sailing at night, I will have only the RUNNING LIGHTS on, when I look up I will see no lights anywhere on the mast. Hope this helps !
I went to the boatsmart course and initiated a big discussion about this. Seems even the instructors have some problems with it. I copied my conclusion from the archives: The (Coast Guard ) manual requiress white MASTHEAD LIGHTS on all vessels less than 20 meters, including powerboats. They are defined as "white lights that shine 225 degrees forward". (As opposed to ALL AROUND LIGHTS (360 degrees) SIDELIGHTS (red port, green starboard) and STERNLIGHTS (135 degrees aft). It does mention that on sailboats masthead lights "are seldom at the top of the mast, but partway down". So, it seems, by law, that we as sailors must have a white masthead light, but it cannot be used while under sail power. So, on my hunter, I have a RUNNING LIGHTS switch (which is SIDE and STERN lights)...I have STEAMING lights (which is the MASTHEAD light)...and an ANCHOR light, which must be the ALL AROUND LIGHT. While sailing at night, I will have only the RUNNING LIGHTS on, when I look up I will see no lights anywhere on the mast. Hope this helps !
Reasons?
Any power vessel under 20 meters must show a white light that is visible 360 degrees (all around). On a typical powerboat, this light is on a pole at the stern, (like on a bass boat) or perhaps on a mast on the cabin top. One of the purposes of the white light is to mark the stern of the boat relative to the sidelights near the bow. That way when you see the red light (or green) and the white light, you know which direction the boat is pointed. If the boat is large with structures on deck like a fly bridge that might block the light when viewed from forward, the light is sometimes split between a stern light and a forward facing light near the center of the boat (like on the mast of a sailboat). Sailboats under sail alone don’t show the forward facing part of the “all around” white light. So, if you see only red or green lights with no white you can be sure you’re seeing a sailboat headed toward you that is restricted in its’ ability to maneuver. This is a dangerous situation and you may need to make allowances for giving right of way. If you see either red or green with white, it’s a safer situation. You may be seeing a powerboat coming toward you or a sailboat moving away from you. As the sailboat is moving away, it posses no threat and the powerboat may need to give way to you. All vessels when anchored are to show an “all around” white light with no other colored lights. We sailors have the single light at the top of the mast for this. Powerboats have to have a separate switch for the red & green or set up a special anchor light. S/V Anodyne
Any power vessel under 20 meters must show a white light that is visible 360 degrees (all around). On a typical powerboat, this light is on a pole at the stern, (like on a bass boat) or perhaps on a mast on the cabin top. One of the purposes of the white light is to mark the stern of the boat relative to the sidelights near the bow. That way when you see the red light (or green) and the white light, you know which direction the boat is pointed. If the boat is large with structures on deck like a fly bridge that might block the light when viewed from forward, the light is sometimes split between a stern light and a forward facing light near the center of the boat (like on the mast of a sailboat). Sailboats under sail alone don’t show the forward facing part of the “all around” white light. So, if you see only red or green lights with no white you can be sure you’re seeing a sailboat headed toward you that is restricted in its’ ability to maneuver. This is a dangerous situation and you may need to make allowances for giving right of way. If you see either red or green with white, it’s a safer situation. You may be seeing a powerboat coming toward you or a sailboat moving away from you. As the sailboat is moving away, it posses no threat and the powerboat may need to give way to you. All vessels when anchored are to show an “all around” white light with no other colored lights. We sailors have the single light at the top of the mast for this. Powerboats have to have a separate switch for the red & green or set up a special anchor light. S/V Anodyne
Dennis, good reasons but
what differentiates a sailboat under sail power only headed away from you from a power boat doing the same? Your answer implies that you keep an aft-facing white light on in this instance, and I'm not sure it's technically correct. What I get out of my research is that under sail alone, only the running lights are used. I would like to be sure, even though I like your logic, and practicality.
what differentiates a sailboat under sail power only headed away from you from a power boat doing the same? Your answer implies that you keep an aft-facing white light on in this instance, and I'm not sure it's technically correct. What I get out of my research is that under sail alone, only the running lights are used. I would like to be sure, even though I like your logic, and practicality.
If I may shed some light (no pun intended)
As Dennis correctly pointed out, a side light (red or green) with a white light above means a vessel approaching under power and a single colored light means a vessel approaching under sail only. However, at any given time only ONE light should be visible on a vessel under sail because of the sectors that each light covers. When moving aft around a vessel under sail, the colored side running light should disappear just as the white stern light appears. For extra visibility and improved electrical efficiency at sea, some sailboats have a masthead tricolor lit by a single bulb. However since the steaming light must be above the running lights, the tricolor must be turned off when steaming and a second set of running lights near deck level has to be lit. Peter H23 "Raven"
As Dennis correctly pointed out, a side light (red or green) with a white light above means a vessel approaching under power and a single colored light means a vessel approaching under sail only. However, at any given time only ONE light should be visible on a vessel under sail because of the sectors that each light covers. When moving aft around a vessel under sail, the colored side running light should disappear just as the white stern light appears. For extra visibility and improved electrical efficiency at sea, some sailboats have a masthead tricolor lit by a single bulb. However since the steaming light must be above the running lights, the tricolor must be turned off when steaming and a second set of running lights near deck level has to be lit. Peter H23 "Raven"
Lights
Peter and Dennis absolutely correct. Just goes to show how confusing such a 'simple' thing as turning your lights on can be! Scott...NOTHING different between a sailboat or a powerboat less than 50m seen moving away from you as long as you are in the 135deg arc immediately astern. As soon as you move ahead of this the sailboat would show only a single red or green light whereas the power boat would also show the white steaming light as Peter says at the higher level.
Peter and Dennis absolutely correct. Just goes to show how confusing such a 'simple' thing as turning your lights on can be! Scott...NOTHING different between a sailboat or a powerboat less than 50m seen moving away from you as long as you are in the 135deg arc immediately astern. As soon as you move ahead of this the sailboat would show only a single red or green light whereas the power boat would also show the white steaming light as Peter says at the higher level.
Thanks, I stand corrected
My "running lights" include the stern light, so a white light will be visible from aft. I guess the part that gets me is that there is no light on the mast while under sail, unless you have that tricolor setup. It seems to defy logic to me, as you'd think to most easily identify a sailboat there would be a light somewhere high above, indicating a mast. Thanks for setting me straight fellows.
My "running lights" include the stern light, so a white light will be visible from aft. I guess the part that gets me is that there is no light on the mast while under sail, unless you have that tricolor setup. It seems to defy logic to me, as you'd think to most easily identify a sailboat there would be a light somewhere high above, indicating a mast. Thanks for setting me straight fellows.
Thanks!
I'm glad to see that it wasn't just me that feels confused about this. To summarize everyones comments/concensus: Running lights (red/green/aft white) ON all the time at night while moving. 360 degree white light on top of mast ON only while motoring or anchored. 225 degrees white light (pointing aft) on top of mast ON when sailing. Correct??
I'm glad to see that it wasn't just me that feels confused about this. To summarize everyones comments/concensus: Running lights (red/green/aft white) ON all the time at night while moving. 360 degree white light on top of mast ON only while motoring or anchored. 225 degrees white light (pointing aft) on top of mast ON when sailing. Correct??
Not exactly
Al, I would modify your statement as follows: Running lights (red/green/aft white) ON all the time at night while moving under sail or motor. 360 degree white light on top of mast ON only while anchored at night. 225 degrees white light (pointing foward) in middle of mast ON when motoring at night.
Al, I would modify your statement as follows: Running lights (red/green/aft white) ON all the time at night while moving under sail or motor. 360 degree white light on top of mast ON only while anchored at night. 225 degrees white light (pointing foward) in middle of mast ON when motoring at night.
Night time...
"Night time" is defined as "one half hour before sunset to one half hour after sunrise" Ligths should also be used during periods of restricted visibility (visibility less than 1 mile) Smooth sailing, ~~ __/) ~~ Marc
"Night time" is defined as "one half hour before sunset to one half hour after sunrise" Ligths should also be used during periods of restricted visibility (visibility less than 1 mile) Smooth sailing, ~~ __/) ~~ Marc
anchor light
Good summary Fred OK just to add a little more confusion... what would be wrong with using all round anchor light at masthead whilst motoring, together with red and green lights forward as long as aft white light can be independently switched off? Good to see the same confusions seem to occur both sides of the pond LOL and lets NOT get into buoyage hehe.
Good summary Fred OK just to add a little more confusion... what would be wrong with using all round anchor light at masthead whilst motoring, together with red and green lights forward as long as aft white light can be independently switched off? Good to see the same confusions seem to occur both sides of the pond LOL and lets NOT get into buoyage hehe.
Lights
Although it can be anywhere (acutally should be no more than 20 feet above the hull), the anchor light is usually at the masthead. The anchor light shows 360°. The anchor light is required when the boat is anchored at night in an area that is not designated as a special anchorage on the chart of the area. The steaming light is usually mounted on the front of the mast, and is used in conjunction with the red and green running lights when the vessel is operated under power (as opposed to using sail power only). The steaming light is supposed to show through a total of 20 points (10 points on each side of the bow). This equates to about 150° on each side of the bow. The mast light you refer to is often called a spreader light. This is used to illuminate the foredeck for handling anchors, sails, etc. at night. If you are going to operate at night, it is probably also a good idea to get to know the lights carried by tug boats, fishing vessels, and other commercial craft. Hope this helps. Vic
Although it can be anywhere (acutally should be no more than 20 feet above the hull), the anchor light is usually at the masthead. The anchor light shows 360°. The anchor light is required when the boat is anchored at night in an area that is not designated as a special anchorage on the chart of the area. The steaming light is usually mounted on the front of the mast, and is used in conjunction with the red and green running lights when the vessel is operated under power (as opposed to using sail power only). The steaming light is supposed to show through a total of 20 points (10 points on each side of the bow). This equates to about 150° on each side of the bow. The mast light you refer to is often called a spreader light. This is used to illuminate the foredeck for handling anchors, sails, etc. at night. If you are going to operate at night, it is probably also a good idea to get to know the lights carried by tug boats, fishing vessels, and other commercial craft. Hope this helps. Vic
For Scott and Colin
The masthead tricolor is designed to make a relatively slow sailboat as visible as possible to other traffic at night because running lights at deck level can be obscured in waves. I guess the single light convention is based in tradition, when running lights were lit by oil, and the fewer open flames on board a wooden boat, the better!!. Some masthead anchor lights are made in two sectors with two lamps, one facing forward and the other aft. The aft one is lit when sailing and both are lit when powering. When anchored, both remain lit but the red/green would be doused. I had a masthead light like this and I got rid of it right away! It was a lot of weight at the masthead and the power draw with both lamps lit was 20W. It's also a pain to bang on it to get it to work when the contacts become corroded. It's so much easier just to lean over the transom! The worst part was that one night at anchor would kill the battery, and on a hot Florida night, I'd rather have the power for my Hella fan and some music. My current anchor light is an LED light on a stick hoisted to the masthead with the main halyard. I know it's not USCG approved, but to my mind it beats an approved light that goes out at 2 am. I also keep a Dietz oil-fired hurricane lamp on board as a backup. The regs don't say it has to be electric...it just has to be visible at 2 nm. Happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
The masthead tricolor is designed to make a relatively slow sailboat as visible as possible to other traffic at night because running lights at deck level can be obscured in waves. I guess the single light convention is based in tradition, when running lights were lit by oil, and the fewer open flames on board a wooden boat, the better!!. Some masthead anchor lights are made in two sectors with two lamps, one facing forward and the other aft. The aft one is lit when sailing and both are lit when powering. When anchored, both remain lit but the red/green would be doused. I had a masthead light like this and I got rid of it right away! It was a lot of weight at the masthead and the power draw with both lamps lit was 20W. It's also a pain to bang on it to get it to work when the contacts become corroded. It's so much easier just to lean over the transom! The worst part was that one night at anchor would kill the battery, and on a hot Florida night, I'd rather have the power for my Hella fan and some music. My current anchor light is an LED light on a stick hoisted to the masthead with the main halyard. I know it's not USCG approved, but to my mind it beats an approved light that goes out at 2 am. I also keep a Dietz oil-fired hurricane lamp on board as a backup. The regs don't say it has to be electric...it just has to be visible at 2 nm. Happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
Roger,Peter
I just read in SAIL that those led's are coming a long way and will probably be the lights of the future. Adiing the masthead tricolors will have to go on the list, but only after an Autopilot, Dinghy, etc!
I just read in SAIL that those led's are coming a long way and will probably be the lights of the future. Adiing the masthead tricolors will have to go on the list, but only after an Autopilot, Dinghy, etc!
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