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Navigation Lights “A set of lights shown by a ship or aircraft between sunset and sunrise, and in rain and fog, to indicate its position and orientation.” Something any skipper needs to know is what Navigation lights are required at night. Links to your local maritime rules at bottom of this blog.
All vessels under 12 metres shall exhibit one of the following:
The masthead or white all round light shall be carried at least one metre above the sidelights.
Power-driven vessels less than 7 meters in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the above exhibit an allround white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights.
The required lights are: Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night. An all-round white light (if vessel is less than 39.4 feet long) or both a masthead light and a sternlight.
The effectiveness of navigation lights is measured in Candela. Lumens are a popular measure of light output, but are irrelevant in measuring the effectiveness of navigation lights as lumens only measure total light output of a light source – think power. If you are lighting a room, lumens are important, if you need a light to be seen from a given point and distance then you need to know the candela, or brightness, at that point.
Chromaticity is the visible colour of a light source. There are specified values for the chromaticity output of navigation lights, this is another factor that is measured in the lab when they are tested for compliance with regulations.
RAILBLAZA illuminate Series Battery Powered Navigation Lights are designed primarily to meet the US Coast Guard requirements (USCG 2NM) for navigation lights on power boats under 12 metres (39.4’) in length. They are made in New Zealand, from high quality materials, and deliver fantastic performance at an affordable price.
Form and Function of RAILBLAZA Lights There are two models in the illuminate Series, the i360 All-round white, and the iPS Port/Starboard.
RAILBLAZA have not produced a tri-colour (red, green, white) light, as a tricolour light is only for use on a sailboat on top of the mast, and is not legal for use on any boat under power. A sailboat under motor only, or under sail and motor, is considered a powerboat, and must display appropriate lights. A battery powered masthead light would not be practical for normal use, as it would be necessary to climb the mast to turn it on.
Navigation light design takes three factors into consideration, brightness, angle and colour. For a navigation light to comply with regulations it must emit the correct colour, in the right direction, at the correct intensity. This is achieved by selecting the correct LED for colour and output, and directing the beam through carefully designed optics to achieve both focus and directional cutoffs.
RAILBLAZA illuminate Series Lights are compliant with the USCG 2NM standards, meaning they deliver at least 4.3 candela at certain specific angles and ranges to enable sufficient visibility at up to 2 nautical miles. See diagram.
Battery powered all round White Navigation Light
Battery powered Bi-Colour LED Navigation Light
The RAILBLAZA Bimini RailMount Light Kit allows you to easily add a navigation light to your round or square tube bimini using only a screwdriver.
The Dinghy Visibilty Kit is the perfect companion for small, tiller steered power boats and inflatables under 7 meters that do not exceed 7 knots. In one convenient, value-for-money pack you get everything you need to comply with the legal requirements in almost every country and territory. Disassembly when you’re finished is quick and easy, and in the handy storage bag it will stow just about anywhere.
The NaviPack Portable LED Navigation Light Kit is the perfect companion for small, tiller steered power boats, inflatables, or as an emergency nav light pack for larger vessels. In one convenient, value-for-money pack you get everything you need to comply with the legal requirements in almost every country and territory.
The RAILBLAZA Visibility Kit II is a must-have safety item in the kit of any kayak angler, or recreational paddler. In one convenient, value-for-money pack you get everything you need for your kayak or canoe to be seen on the water day and night.
Disclaimer:
This information is correct as at 1st November 2016, and is designed as a basic guide and introduction to navigation lighting for water craft. It is not to be used as a technical reference. RAILBLAZA assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Please check with the appropriate governing body regarding full regulations for navigation lights in your area.
Some internet references for your local region;
New Zealand
Australia:
USA: