Running Lights and Anchor Light

[Reel Nauti]

Thanks Mod 5. My interpretation of that is: if you don't use the all round white light, then you must a stern AND a masthead light.

So for me with a 4.4mt boat (and capable of more than 7 knots), between dusk and dawn, whether at anchor or underway, the all round white light (anchor light) must be displayed(as I don't have a masthead light nor a stern light).

So why is it that so few abide by this?

Dave

[mod5]

Thanks Mod 5. My interpretation of that is: if you don't use the all round white light, then you must a stern AND a masthead light.

So for me with a 4.4mt boat (and capable of more than 7 knots), between dusk and dawn, whether at anchor or underway, the all round white light (anchor light) must be displayed(as I don't have a masthead light nor a stern light).

So why is it that so few abide by this?

Dave

Look at the number of people on here who don't abide by Ausfish rules. Many people in general have no respect for rules regardless of who makes them.

[TheRealAndy]

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Home/Safet...gation_lights/

• Power-driven ships must show sidelights and either an all round white light or a stern and masthead light. Sailboats under engine power are considered to be power-driven ships, and must show the same lights as a power-driven ship.
• All ships at anchor must show an all-round white light.

This is the part that I have been trying to find in QLD or federal law. Can only find it on MSQ website.

[mod5]

The Queensland Legislation is Transport Operations (Marine
Safety) Regulation 2004 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LE...stOpMSyR04.pdf

Section 126 describes "Person Operating Ship Must Comply With Collision Regulations." and refers to the USL Code (Uniform Shipping Laws Code). This is Commonwealth Legislation

http://www.nmsc.gov.au/documents/USL/uslc-section16.pdf Part C - Rule 20 refers to Navigation Lights.

[TheRealAndy]

The Queensland Legislation is Transport Operations (Marine
Safety) Regulation 2004 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LE...stOpMSyR04.pdf

Section 126 describes "Person Operating Ship Must Comply With Collision Regulations." and refers to the USL Code (Uniform Shipping Laws Code). This is Commonwealth Legislation

http://www.nmsc.gov.au/documents/USL/uslc-section16.pdf Part C - Rule 20 refers to Navigation Lights.

Looks like I have a few weeks reading ahead of me!

[TheRealAndy]

The Queensland Legislation is Transport Operations (Marine
Safety) Regulation 2004 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LE...stOpMSyR04.pdf

Section 126 describes "Person Operating Ship Must Comply With Collision Regulations." and refers to the USL Code (Uniform Shipping Laws Code). This is Commonwealth Legislation

A quick brief over this suggest that you have to comply with the international regs, which is listed in the other link (below)

http://www.nmsc.gov.au/documents/USL/uslc-section16.pdf Part C - Rule 20 refers to Navigation Lights.

This is a copy of the international regs. This contradicts what the MSQ website states.

BTW. I am not a lawyer, but I have a few mates that are. Will discuss with them.

[mod5]

Sorry, read rule 23. It is the same only MSQ put it in everyday English.

[dnej]

If you talk to most boaties,the reason they dont travel with the all round white,is due to the glare,which limits vision.So you can see more with the light off,and in my opinion safer,but that limits who can see you from the stern.
I have replaced mine,with a light that can be seen for 2 miles,yet does not shine in your eyes.
David

[TheRealAndy]

Sorry, read rule 23. It is the same only MSQ put it in everyday English.

As I said in a previous post:

Rule 23 snipped to the relevant parts.

(c) (i) A power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights;
(ii) a power-driven vessel of less than 7 metres in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights;

That is a direct quote from the IMO international collision regulations. That is also the exact same document published here http://www.nmsc.gov.au/documents/USL/uslc-section16.pdf

So either the MSQ website is wrong, or there is another by law that we are un aware of. I will chase up MSQ and see if I can get an answer. I can understand where the confusion lies.

BTW, there is by laws to the IMO regs, and one such example is rowing boats in the brisbane river. I cant quote the exact law but its something like rowing boats must carry a flashing light. This occured after the ferry collided with a rowing scull

[mod5]

MSQ states - Power-driven ships must show sidelights and either an all round white light or a stern and masthead light.

USL states - A power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights;

MSQ states - Power-driven ships less than seven metres in length and whose speed does not exceed seven knots, may show an all round white light in lieu of sidelights. If practical, these ships should also show sidelights.

USL states - a power-driven vessel of less than 7 metres in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights;

Whats the difference except length which is irrelevant in this case.

[TheRealAndy]

MSQ states - Power-driven ships must show sidelights and either an all round white light or a stern and masthead light.

USL states - A power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights;

MSQ states - Power-driven ships less than seven metres in length and whose speed does not exceed seven knots, may show an all round white light in lieu of sidelights. If practical, these ships should also show sidelights.

USL states - a power-driven vessel of less than 7 metres in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights;

Whats the difference except length which is irrelevant in this case.

The difference is that here you quoted:

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Home/Safet...gation_lights/

• Power-driven ships must show sidelights and either an all round white light or a stern and masthead light. Sailboats under engine power are considered to be power-driven ships, and must show the same lights as a power-driven ship.
• All ships at anchor must show an all-round white light.

Neither statment agree with IMO. IMO clearly states under rule 23 sidelights and allround white (unless you are over 12 meters, and less than 7 metres with a hull speed of les than 7knots)

A sailing boat under rule 25 states side lights and sternlight, but if under 7 metres only requires a torch to prevent collision.

IMO rule 30 states: A vessel of less than 7 metres in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule.

[Xahn1960]

I'm very glad I stopped to read this thread but you guy's are starting to confuse me. I take it that if I'm moving at night I should be runing my anchor light and side lights to be legal. My boat is 6.4m and does not have a stern light.... do I need to fit one ????

Bill.

[dnej]

Bill,
A masthead light points towards the bow,225 degrees,and must be combined with a 125 degree light pointing toward the stern,making a 360 pattern,in total.

Alternatively,you may use an allround white light ( Anchor light),so long as it can be seen all round without a break.

Yes,you should have your white light on when travelling at night,and it must be able to be seen from all directions. Must also be on when stationary.

That is why some boats have a stern light as well as an all round white,as canopies can stop the view.

If you have a look at the links given previously,there are some good diagrams

Regards David

[Hornet Rider]

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Home/Safet...gation_lights/

• Power-driven ships must show sidelights and either an all round white light or a stern and masthead light. Sailboats under engine power are considered to be power-driven ships, and must show the same lights as a power-driven ship.
• All ships at anchor must show an all-round white light.

Keep in mind that the MSQ lighting requirements are the bare minimum, not the most 'risk managed' sequence for lighting a boat at night. Also keep in mind that there are more casual/part time/less experienced? recreational boaties in & around coastal waters at night , then professional mariners , so it would be both prudent & good sense (not common sense - there's no such thing) to light your vessel to give other vessels the best opportunity to 'see & avoid' you. Like:
* keep your running lights on, even at anchor - there's no rule against it
* have a stern white light & a masthead light
* have an all-round white light
* consider fitting a white strobe light, for use when needed, that can be seen all-round, especially good for low visibility conditions (fog, rain, haze, heaving seas) & will catch the attention of the most inattentive, tired or poorly sighted crew of other vessels
* keep a quality, waterproof hand torch, preferably with a heloegn bulb or LED, either attached to you or carried by you, or within immediate reach
* have a fitted or portable air horn
* practice emergency engine starts, & always be ready to get your vessel underway just in case the threat vessel is either out of control, unmanned or unable to take avoiding action
* always wear a lifejacket at night

..... may have digressed a tad from the main issue, but risk reduction ( read - staying alive & uninjured) is a layered process & vessel lights is just one component of that process

cheers, Mark

[moater]

Look at the number of people on here who don't abide by Ausfish rules. Many people in general have no respect for rules regardless of who makes them.

Good point mod5!

There are always going to be blockheads that think they are better than the rules or the rules aren't 'cool' enough for them.These are quite often those that kill innocent people whether in cars,boats or any other form of transport.