Navigating at night or in conditions of restricted visibility, the lighting configuration of a vessel is a critical factor in ensuring safe navigation. There are significant differences in the lighting configurations of motorboats and sailing vessels, which not only reflect their distinct navigational characteristics and requirements but also embody the meticulous considerations of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. This article will delve into the main differences in lighting configurations between motorboats and sailing vessels.

Types and Quantity of Lights

Sailing Vessels

1. Sailing Vessels Under 7 Meters: Must carry a white flashlight for use when necessary.
2. Sailing Vessels Between 7 and 22 Meters: May use a tri-color combined light at the masthead that integrates the sidelights and stern light. Additionally, separate sidelights and a stern light must be installed for use when the engine is engaged, in conjunction with the masthead light.
3. Sailing Vessels Over 22 Meters: Must use separate sidelights and a stern light, and cannot use a tri-color combined masthead light. However, they may use optional navigation lights for larger sailing vessels.

Motorboats

1. Motorboats Under 7 Meters: When operating at a speed less than 7 knots, must use a fixed white all-round light.
2. Motorboats Between 7 and 22 Meters: May combine the stern light with the masthead light and install the sidelights at the bow.
3. Motorboats Between 22 and 50 Meters: Must have a masthead light placed above the sidelights, with a light arc of over 225°.
4. Motorboats Over 50 Meters: Larger engine-driven vessels must have two masthead lights, with the forward masthead light being slightly lower than the after masthead light.

Light Positions

Sidelights

• Sailing Vessels: Red light on the port side and green light on the starboard side, both with a light arc of 112.5°.
• Motorboats: Red light on the port side and green light on the starboard side, both with a light arc of 112.5°.

Stern Light

• Sailing Vessels: A white light placed at the center of the stern, with a light arc of 135°.
• Motorboats: A white light placed at the center of the stern, with a light arc of 135°.

Masthead Light

• Sailing Vessels: Sailing vessels under 22 meters may use a tri-color combined light, while those over 22 meters must use a separate masthead light.
• Motorboats: Motorboats under 22 meters may combine the stern light with the masthead light, and motorboats over 50 meters must have two masthead lights.

Light Combinations and Their Significance

Sailing Vessels

• Underway: Use sidelights and stern light. If the engine is used, the masthead light must also be displayed.
• At Anchor: Use a white all-round light.

Motorboats

• Underway: Always use sidelights, stern light, and masthead light.
• At Anchor: Use a white all-round light.

Light Visibility Distances

Sailing Vessels

• Sailing Vessels Under 7 Meters: Use a white flashlight.
• Sailing Vessels Between 7 and 22 Meters: Sidelights and stern light have a visibility distance of 2 nautical miles.
• Sailing Vessels Over 22 Meters: Sidelights and stern light have a visibility distance of 3 nautical miles.

Motorboats

• Motorboats Under 7 Meters: The white all-round light has a visibility distance of 2 nautical miles.
• Motorboats Between 7 and 22 Meters: Sidelights and stern light have a visibility distance of 2 nautical miles.
• Motorboats Between 22 and 50 Meters: The masthead light has a visibility distance of 3 nautical miles.
• Motorboats Over 50 Meters: The masthead light has a visibility distance of 5 nautical miles.

Special Lights

Motorboats

• Towing Light: Used during towing operations, placed above the stern light, with a light arc of 135°.
• All-round Light: Used when at anchor, displaying an uninterrupted light in a 360° horizontal arc.

Timing of Light Usage

Sailing Vessels

• Sailing Only: Use sidelights and stern light.
• Using Engine: Additionally, use the masthead light.

Motorboats

• Underway: Always use sidelights, stern light, and masthead light.

Light Display Ranges

Sailing Vessels

• Sidelights: 112.5°, from the bow to the midship.
• Stern Light: 135°, from the stern backward.

Motorboats

• Sidelights: 112.5°, from the bow to the midship.
• Stern Light: 135°, from the stern backward.
• Masthead Light: 225°, from the bow to the stern.

Light Visibility

Sailing Vessels

• Sailing Vessels Under 7 Meters: White flashlight, manually operated.
• Sailing Vessels Between 7 and 22 Meters: Sidelights and stern light have a visibility distance of 2 nautical miles.
• Sailing Vessels Over 22 Meters: Sidelights and stern light have a visibility distance of 3 nautical miles.

Motorboats

• Motorboats Under 7 Meters: The white all-round light has a visibility distance of 2 nautical miles.
• Motorboats Between 7 and 22 Meters: Sidelights and stern light have a visibility distance of 2 nautical miles.
• Motorboats Between 22 and 50 Meters: The masthead light has a visibility distance of 3 nautical miles.
• Motorboats Over 50 Meters: The masthead light has a visibility distance of 5 nautical miles.

Light Installation Requirements

Sailing Vessels

• Sailing Vessels Under 7 Meters: White flashlight, manually operated.
• Sailing Vessels Between 7 and 22 Meters: Tri-color combined light or separate sidelights and stern light.
• Sailing Vessels Over 22 Meters: Separate sidelights, stern light, and masthead light.

Motorboats

• Motorboats Under 7 Meters: Fixed white all-round light.
• Motorboats Between 7 and 22 Meters: Stern light combined with the masthead light, sidelights installed at the bow.
• Motorboats Between 22 and 50 Meters: One masthead light placed above the sidelights.
• Motorboats Over 50 Meters: Forward and after masthead lights, with the forward masthead light being slightly lower.

Light Maintenance and Inspection

Sailing Vessels

• Regular Inspection: Ensure all lighting equipment is in good working order and batteries are fully charged.
• Backup Equipment: Carry spare batteries and a flashlight.

Motorboats

• Regular Inspection: Ensure all lighting equipment is in good working order and batteries are fully charged.
• Backup Equipment: Carry spare batteries and a flashlight, especially for motorboats under 7 meters.

The main differences in lighting configurations between motorboats and sailing vessels reflect their distinct navigational characteristics and requirements. Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring safe navigation at night. Whether it's a sailing vessel or a motorboat, the correct lighting configuration and usage are fundamental requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and are essential measures for ensuring the safety of vessels and personnel. It is hoped that this article's introduction will help readers better understand and apply these rules to ensure navigation safety.