While a sailboat is under sail during darkness, does the steaming light need to be illuminated and do you lose right of way by using the steaming light and stern light. My C-30 has a separate switch for the bow light(navigational). Is the bow light required to be illuminated as well while having the steaming light illuminated?
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Steaming Light
The steaming light is just that, it is used when steaming/motoring. If it is on, in conjunction with the stern light, then the boat is signaling that is under power to all other vessels. You must then abide by the navigation rules for a motorized vessel even if you are under sail only. In the event of an accident you should not be able to claim that you are a sailboat under these circumstances. I would strongly encourage ypou take a Coast Guard AUxillary or Power Squadron course prior to venturing out at night.
The steaming light is just that, it is used when steaming/motoring. If it is on, in conjunction with the stern light, then the boat is signaling that is under power to all other vessels. You must then abide by the navigation rules for a motorized vessel even if you are under sail only. In the event of an accident you should not be able to claim that you are a sailboat under these circumstances. I would strongly encourage ypou take a Coast Guard AUxillary or Power Squadron course prior to venturing out at night.
Steaming or sailing
So with the bow light on and the stern light on only, then the vessel has the right of way while under sail?
So with the bow light on and the stern light on only, then the vessel has the right of way while under sail?
As long as the engine is off.
If it's on (even if the prop is not engaged) your considered to be a powerboat, and the steaming light should be on from dusk till dawn. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
If it's on (even if the prop is not engaged) your considered to be a powerboat, and the steaming light should be on from dusk till dawn. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Good Article
I'm including a link to a pretty good explanation of using running lights. In the article is a link called Lights and Shapes. This will take you to a pretty good tutorial.
I'm including a link to a pretty good explanation of using running lights. In the article is a link called Lights and Shapes. This will take you to a pretty good tutorial.
Something I've never understood
is why (at night) you have to identify yourself as a sailboat only when under power, when you no longer have a sailboat's right of way. Wouldn't it make more sense to show a light on the mast when NOT under power - then other boats would know you are a sailboat and could act accordingly. When under power, you would turn off the mast light and look like any other powered boat from a distance. As it is, when sailing at night, we appear to be the same as any power boat from our light configuration.
is why (at night) you have to identify yourself as a sailboat only when under power, when you no longer have a sailboat's right of way. Wouldn't it make more sense to show a light on the mast when NOT under power - then other boats would know you are a sailboat and could act accordingly. When under power, you would turn off the mast light and look like any other powered boat from a distance. As it is, when sailing at night, we appear to be the same as any power boat from our light configuration.
Not really
Power boats are required to have a "white" light foward facing with a 120 degree arc approximately three feet above the red and green bow light or lights. They also must have the an aft white light reward facing with a 120 degree arc, which is the same for sail boats. Power boats that do not have this light are in violation of Coat Guard and usually stae regulations and may be fined accordingly as well as be liable for any accidents resulting from their negligence. Sail boats usually havethis same forward white light mounted far up on their masts. Why this is so, I do not know as the regulations state that it need to be only three feet above the bow light (same as on powered boats). Sail boats can also have an all round white light on their masts that is placed over a red and green light. However, when under power, they still must have that forward facing 120 degree arc white light on their masts.
Power boats are required to have a "white" light foward facing with a 120 degree arc approximately three feet above the red and green bow light or lights. They also must have the an aft white light reward facing with a 120 degree arc, which is the same for sail boats. Power boats that do not have this light are in violation of Coat Guard and usually stae regulations and may be fined accordingly as well as be liable for any accidents resulting from their negligence. Sail boats usually havethis same forward white light mounted far up on their masts. Why this is so, I do not know as the regulations state that it need to be only three feet above the bow light (same as on powered boats). Sail boats can also have an all round white light on their masts that is placed over a red and green light. However, when under power, they still must have that forward facing 120 degree arc white light on their masts.
Not really.
At ight, a powerboat must display a steaming light. A sailboat under sail does not. So if I see a white light above the red and green light, I assume it to be a boat under pawer. If I don't see a white light over the red and green lights, I assume it to be a sailboat under sail. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
At ight, a powerboat must display a steaming light. A sailboat under sail does not. So if I see a white light above the red and green light, I assume it to be a boat under pawer. If I don't see a white light over the red and green lights, I assume it to be a sailboat under sail. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Good points
I stand corrected. On the lake where I sail, the stern white light is often not visible forward on some of the smaller fishing boats, perhaps due to being obstructed by people in the boat. I sometimes see only the bow lights until the boat is fairly close, and I am used to reacting to red and green approaching pretty rapidly on occasion.
I stand corrected. On the lake where I sail, the stern white light is often not visible forward on some of the smaller fishing boats, perhaps due to being obstructed by people in the boat. I sometimes see only the bow lights until the boat is fairly close, and I am used to reacting to red and green approaching pretty rapidly on occasion.
Oh ED.
I had that argument with some power boaters on another forum. I exchanged e-mail with the Coast Guard on the subject of engine on but out of gear. Essentially they would not directly answer the question BUT, from the parts of the Col Regs they underlined in response, it appears they believe that as long as the engine is not propelling the vessel, that is it is out of gear, than it is still a sailboat. Power boats should not have their all-around light or mast head light obscured by anyone or thing. Also sailing vessels MAY display all-around red over green lights higher up than the other required bow and stern lights, but not when the tri-color is being used. NOTE a "masthead light" and a light at the masthead are completely different things. alan
I had that argument with some power boaters on another forum. I exchanged e-mail with the Coast Guard on the subject of engine on but out of gear. Essentially they would not directly answer the question BUT, from the parts of the Col Regs they underlined in response, it appears they believe that as long as the engine is not propelling the vessel, that is it is out of gear, than it is still a sailboat. Power boats should not have their all-around light or mast head light obscured by anyone or thing. Also sailing vessels MAY display all-around red over green lights higher up than the other required bow and stern lights, but not when the tri-color is being used. NOTE a "masthead light" and a light at the masthead are completely different things. alan
Maybe I can shed some light (pun intended)
The light conventions were developed during the days of sail. Under way at night, the mandatory running lights were red/green covering a 225-degree sector forward and white covering a 135-degree sector aft. The three colors combined covered a full circle (360 degrees). Early steamships were just regular sailing ships with an auxiliary steam engine. They still had masts. To differentiate the two at night, a "steaming" light was put on the mast facing forward and covering the same 225 degree arc as the red/green. When steaming, the total arc covered by both white lights was 360 degrees (225 forward + 135 aft). The same convention applies to powerboats today. The two white lights are combined in one housing to create the all-around white. In keeping with the convention, this light is elevated on a short pole, while the red/green is at deck level. Some sailboats use a masthead tri-color (red-green-white) for better visibility when sailing. However, when under power, they are required to douse the tri-color and use the red/green at the bow and the white on the stern, again to satisfy the convention that the steaming light (on the mast) remains above the red/green running lights. My guess as to why the steaming light is on the mast? At the time, it made sense. The mast was already there, the 225 degree forward white would be high enough to be unmistakable, it would probably not be blocked by the sails when motorsailing. The whole idea was to warn regular sailing ships (who were used to the red or green light of an oncoming vessel) that they were being approached by a steamship and they had better give way! Come to think of it, that pretty much describes how most powerboaters think today... Peter H23 "Raven"
The light conventions were developed during the days of sail. Under way at night, the mandatory running lights were red/green covering a 225-degree sector forward and white covering a 135-degree sector aft. The three colors combined covered a full circle (360 degrees). Early steamships were just regular sailing ships with an auxiliary steam engine. They still had masts. To differentiate the two at night, a "steaming" light was put on the mast facing forward and covering the same 225 degree arc as the red/green. When steaming, the total arc covered by both white lights was 360 degrees (225 forward + 135 aft). The same convention applies to powerboats today. The two white lights are combined in one housing to create the all-around white. In keeping with the convention, this light is elevated on a short pole, while the red/green is at deck level. Some sailboats use a masthead tri-color (red-green-white) for better visibility when sailing. However, when under power, they are required to douse the tri-color and use the red/green at the bow and the white on the stern, again to satisfy the convention that the steaming light (on the mast) remains above the red/green running lights. My guess as to why the steaming light is on the mast? At the time, it made sense. The mast was already there, the 225 degree forward white would be high enough to be unmistakable, it would probably not be blocked by the sails when motorsailing. The whole idea was to warn regular sailing ships (who were used to the red or green light of an oncoming vessel) that they were being approached by a steamship and they had better give way! Come to think of it, that pretty much describes how most powerboaters think today... Peter H23 "Raven"
Lights: sail vs. under power
When your boat is under sail only, it must have red (port) and green (starboard) 112.5 degrees each side lights, and a white stern light of 135 degrees. When under power a white light of 360 degress 1 meter higher (or more) than your sidelights or a combination of a 225 degree white masthead light and 135 degree stern light for a total of white 360 degrees white light. So if you see only a sidelight (red, green or both red and green) the boat you see must be under sail only. Hope this helps disperse the confusion. D
When your boat is under sail only, it must have red (port) and green (starboard) 112.5 degrees each side lights, and a white stern light of 135 degrees. When under power a white light of 360 degress 1 meter higher (or more) than your sidelights or a combination of a 225 degree white masthead light and 135 degree stern light for a total of white 360 degrees white light. So if you see only a sidelight (red, green or both red and green) the boat you see must be under sail only. Hope this helps disperse the confusion. D
Best explanation yet -
Way to go Peter!!! Your posting tells the whole story of nav lighting simply and accurately. I hope everyone now understands the reasoning behing the lighting regs. Cheers,
Way to go Peter!!! Your posting tells the whole story of nav lighting simply and accurately. I hope everyone now understands the reasoning behing the lighting regs. Cheers,
Regardless of Lights
Good description of lights... Remember that rule number 1 is avoid collisions..... Insisting that a sailboat has right of way over a vessel under power is courting disaster. You might have the right lights and have the right of way, but thiose other folks out there might have not taken the class or be a VLCC or aircraft carrier and can't avoid you.... Just my thoughts...
Good description of lights... Remember that rule number 1 is avoid collisions..... Insisting that a sailboat has right of way over a vessel under power is courting disaster. You might have the right lights and have the right of way, but thiose other folks out there might have not taken the class or be a VLCC or aircraft carrier and can't avoid you.... Just my thoughts...
Speed freaks at night
Several weeks ago, Saturday night, a powerboat running at approximately 100mph had an engine explosion, which in turn ignited the nitrous oxide bottle and then really caused a blaze. I asked the driver about his not being fearful of running into another boat at that speed at night and his response was that he had radar! The next Saturday night one sailor was out with running lights, foredeck light, steaming light, anchor light and a flashlight on the sails. Further, he had a small strobe on the masthead. I don't think that that is a bad idea under the circumstances. It's a little late to argue right or way or whether you had the proper lights on when you get broadsided at night. I agree, avoidance is the best policy. It is just had to dodge 100mpg missles on the lake at night.
Several weeks ago, Saturday night, a powerboat running at approximately 100mph had an engine explosion, which in turn ignited the nitrous oxide bottle and then really caused a blaze. I asked the driver about his not being fearful of running into another boat at that speed at night and his response was that he had radar! The next Saturday night one sailor was out with running lights, foredeck light, steaming light, anchor light and a flashlight on the sails. Further, he had a small strobe on the masthead. I don't think that that is a bad idea under the circumstances. It's a little late to argue right or way or whether you had the proper lights on when you get broadsided at night. I agree, avoidance is the best policy. It is just had to dodge 100mpg missles on the lake at night.
Light up the sails!
They will be much more visable than other navigation lights used in violation of the rules. You will confuse others and in the case of a strobe, it's the same as lighting a flare or rocket. You can also light up the deck using spreader lights. alan
They will be much more visable than other navigation lights used in violation of the rules. You will confuse others and in the case of a strobe, it's the same as lighting a flare or rocket. You can also light up the deck using spreader lights. alan
Also .... The Deck Light Can be Used
When encountering known traffic at night, say a tug with barge in tow, or what ever, I've used my VHF in combination with the deck light to show them where I am and it has always been met with appreciation. The deck light is not a light in the same league as, say, something like a steaming or running light. Those lights have lenses and shine the light out from the bulb. The deck light shines the light to the deck so it would be legal whereas the strobes and similar type lights are not. If one is towning a dingy (which I seldom ever do) one can, and legally should, add a light above the stern light to indicate there is something is in tow.
When encountering known traffic at night, say a tug with barge in tow, or what ever, I've used my VHF in combination with the deck light to show them where I am and it has always been met with appreciation. The deck light is not a light in the same league as, say, something like a steaming or running light. Those lights have lenses and shine the light out from the bulb. The deck light shines the light to the deck so it would be legal whereas the strobes and similar type lights are not. If one is towning a dingy (which I seldom ever do) one can, and legally should, add a light above the stern light to indicate there is something is in tow.
"Right of Way"
That is a term that has no legal meaning on the inland or international waters covered by the USCG regs. The correct terms are "Stand on" and "Give Way." "Right of Way" has a connotation that is too inflexible. Since the COLREGs are intended to prevent collisions between vessels, a vessel may be "stand on" only to the point where a prudent mariner determines a collision might be inevitable, at which time that vessel becomes "give way" regardless of the other rules. Liken it to "defensive boating." Admiralty Courts, and USCG & State accident investigations, search for that change point in the incident chronology in order to establish liability. Also, in the earlier example of a motorboat that ran out of fuel & was adrift, it would be considered "not in command" (Red over Red). Unless they were paddling for shore, at which time it would be a "vessel under oars." Or being towed (another set of lights needed). Others were correct to point out the steaming light is used in conjunction with the running lights on a sailing vessel that is under mechanical propulsion (engine running & transmission engaged). On most boats, the steaming light(s) are wired such that they won't even go on unless the running lights are "on." Someone suggested putting on a deck light. Under some circumstances, that can aid visibility of a small vessel and prevent a collision, but (a) it ruins your night vision, (b) your running (steaming) lights must still be on in conditions of restricted visibility, and (c) they may be so powerful as to diminish visibility of the running lights thus depriving the approaching vessel of vital information about your course relative to its. Might be better to put on your cabin lights (but shield them from the helmsman & lookouts). It's a judgement call. --RonD
That is a term that has no legal meaning on the inland or international waters covered by the USCG regs. The correct terms are "Stand on" and "Give Way." "Right of Way" has a connotation that is too inflexible. Since the COLREGs are intended to prevent collisions between vessels, a vessel may be "stand on" only to the point where a prudent mariner determines a collision might be inevitable, at which time that vessel becomes "give way" regardless of the other rules. Liken it to "defensive boating." Admiralty Courts, and USCG & State accident investigations, search for that change point in the incident chronology in order to establish liability. Also, in the earlier example of a motorboat that ran out of fuel & was adrift, it would be considered "not in command" (Red over Red). Unless they were paddling for shore, at which time it would be a "vessel under oars." Or being towed (another set of lights needed). Others were correct to point out the steaming light is used in conjunction with the running lights on a sailing vessel that is under mechanical propulsion (engine running & transmission engaged). On most boats, the steaming light(s) are wired such that they won't even go on unless the running lights are "on." Someone suggested putting on a deck light. Under some circumstances, that can aid visibility of a small vessel and prevent a collision, but (a) it ruins your night vision, (b) your running (steaming) lights must still be on in conditions of restricted visibility, and (c) they may be so powerful as to diminish visibility of the running lights thus depriving the approaching vessel of vital information about your course relative to its. Might be better to put on your cabin lights (but shield them from the helmsman & lookouts). It's a judgement call. --RonD
Collision Regulations: Sailboat lights
I can't imagine anyone venturing forth on the water at night without first having sought, read, and digested information that is intended to keep him alive. But then, we all complain about the seemingly growing number of numbskulls out there. Rule 25 of the Collision Regulations (Colregs) lays it out quite clearly. A little time spent reading the rest would be interesting, enlightening, and certainly worthwhile -- except for those who have no time for such things. Check out the link below for the full story. I think it's a good idea to print a copy or two for keeping aboard as a reference, in the event that a dispute arises. Rule 25 Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars (a) a sailing vessel underway shall exhibit: (i) sidelights; (ii) a sternlight. (b) In a sailing vessel of less than 20 meters in length the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen. (c) A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower Green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by paragraph (b) of this Rule. (d) (i) A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. (ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. (e) A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards.
I can't imagine anyone venturing forth on the water at night without first having sought, read, and digested information that is intended to keep him alive. But then, we all complain about the seemingly growing number of numbskulls out there. Rule 25 of the Collision Regulations (Colregs) lays it out quite clearly. A little time spent reading the rest would be interesting, enlightening, and certainly worthwhile -- except for those who have no time for such things. Check out the link below for the full story. I think it's a good idea to print a copy or two for keeping aboard as a reference, in the event that a dispute arises. Rule 25 Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars (a) a sailing vessel underway shall exhibit: (i) sidelights; (ii) a sternlight. (b) In a sailing vessel of less than 20 meters in length the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen. (c) A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower Green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by paragraph (b) of this Rule. (d) (i) A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. (ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. (e) A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards.
there is no such thing as rigt of way
a couple folks noted it and then several others keep repeating the wrong term right of way. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS RIGHT OF WAY on the water.as Ron correctly stated it is STAND ON and GIVE WAY. the stand on boat may quickly become the give way boat if that is what it takes to avoid an accident. and please remember lights on the water are for others to see you, not for you to see. no one is every going to be faulted for having too many lights on, so if in doubt turn them all on! fair winds & following seas
a couple folks noted it and then several others keep repeating the wrong term right of way. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS RIGHT OF WAY on the water.as Ron correctly stated it is STAND ON and GIVE WAY. the stand on boat may quickly become the give way boat if that is what it takes to avoid an accident. and please remember lights on the water are for others to see you, not for you to see. no one is every going to be faulted for having too many lights on, so if in doubt turn them all on! fair winds & following seas
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