Another problem with light strips is that they don`t meet USCG certification requirements. Unapproved lighting is generally less expensive, making it an attractive choice for uninformed consumers. Using lights that do not offer the right type of color, light intensity or limiting angle can lead to injury to the boat or possibly an accident. It`s also important to have a flashlight on board, as you never know when a navigation light might go out. The rules for displaying navigation lights depend on a number of factors, including: One of the most important safety systems on your boat is your navigation lighting. Whenever you work between sunset and sunrise or at other times of limited visibility, such as: In case of fog or rain, you must display the appropriate navigation lights so that other boats can see you and take appropriate measures to avoid a collision. We`ve covered the navigation lights you`ll need when you`re on the go, but what if you`re at anchor? Advances in technology have made LEDs a good solution for navigation and aesthetic lighting, but the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a warning that some of the new lights do not meet standards and could increase the likelihood of a collision. For vessels of this size, the white light all around must be placed at a height of at least 39 inches above the side lights. Generally, all navigation light systems include red and green side lights that indicate the port and starboard sides of your boat, as well as one or more white lights. For motorboats under 39.4 feet or 12 meters, you will need the following navigation lights. Jones said boat owners get into trouble when lights aren`t approved for navigation or interfere with navigation. It is the responsibility of supervisors to enforce USCG regulations, whether the vessels are operated in fresh or salt water.
But the problem with LED light strips used for navigation is the cut-off angles and their lack of approval by the USCG. Jones said LED strips have not yet met fishing requirements that help boaters determine navigation based on green and red light visibility. If a manufacturer has developed a string or belt lamp that could meet the angle requirements and achieve the right certification, they see no reason why the USCG would not approve it. If you are sailing between sunset and sunrise or during periods of limited visibility, motorized pleasure craft will require the following navigation lights. Keep in mind that these requirements for powerboat lighting also apply to sailboats when an engine is used. Inexpensive LED light strips can be appealing to anglers who want to install them as navigation lights on fishing boats, but officials warn that this could result in a quote or even an accident. “That`s where most people get caught. You just can`t upgrade a boat with lights,” he said. The USCG reports that some boaters have dangerously unapproved red and green LED light strips installed on the bow, hampering other boaters` efforts to avoid a collision, according to a press release from BoatUS, a boating association. For now, remember that it is your responsibility to have the right navigation lighting. Even if you have just bought a new boat, you should check that you have the right lights for safe and legal navigation. Jones said decorative lighting could not interfere with navigation lights.
This means boaters can`t just add LED light strips to accompany approved navigation lights. Boaters could get a quote, he said. Overly powerful LED lights could also be a problem. For example, a bright white rope light may eclipse the red and green navigation lights or be so bright that it is difficult for the driver to see it. USCG rules state that decorative lighting should not be confused with navigation lights, may interfere with the visibility or distinctiveness of approved navigation lights, or may interfere with the operator`s ability to maintain an appropriate point of view. The /course/study/2.3/navigation-light-requirements/ file you requested could not be found in www.boatersacademy.com. It is also concerning that some of the decorative blue lights may be mistaken for law enforcement lights. Jones pointed out that lights flashing with the beat of a speaker, for example, could be mistaken for a flashing blue light. Another example would be that blue underwater LED lights seem to flash as the waves move, giving the appearance of a flashing blue light.
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