Imagine you and your family or friends are enjoying a perfect day on the water. The weather is great, and you don’t want the day to end. You decide to stay out for a few more hours, confident in your knowledge of the area and your ability to navigate home in the dark. When it’s time to leave, it’s well after sunset, but the weather is still pleasant. However, as you start the engine and flip the switch for your navigation lights, nothing happens – they’re not working.
This situation is more common than you might think, and it’s incredibly dangerous. A few years ago, a boat on Lake Lanier, carrying several people, was struck by another vessel at night. The stationary boat had no navigation or anchor lights, and the moving vessel’s operator claimed he never saw it. There were two main factors in this accident:
- The operator of the moving vessel had been drinking.
- The boat at rest did not have any operational navigation or anchor lights.
Most recreational boaters don’t spend much time on the water at night, so navigation lights often get overlooked. This neglect can lead to issues like corrosion, blown bulbs, or faulty wiring, leaving you in the dark at the worst possible time.
Whether you regularly boat at night or not, it’s crucial to check and maintain your navigation lights. Just like any other system on your vessel, they require routine care. Here’s what you can do to ensure your lights stay operational:
Check the lights frequently
Before heading out, always check your navigation lights – even if you don’t plan to stay out after dark. Test all the lights, including the bow, stern, anchor, and steaming lights. This gives you the chance to fix any issues before you leave the dock.
Use LED lights
Consider upgrading from older incandescent bulbs to LED lights. LEDs last significantly longer, are more resistant to shock and vibration, and require fewer replacements over time. This switch will save you maintenance hassles in the long run.
Keep lights clean
Keeping your entire vessel clean is key, and that includes the lights. Dirt and grime can lead to corrosion, which will eventually affect your lights’ functionality. Regular cleaning helps prevent this.
Know when to use lights
Many boaters are unsure about when to use their navigation lights, but the rules are simple. If visibility is reduced – whether due to darkness, snow, rain, or fog – your lights should be on. Also, a good rule of thumb is to turn them on from dusk until dawn.
When anchored, you should display an anchor light to signal your presence to other boats. When underway, make sure your running lights are on. The purpose of these lights is to ensure other boats can see you and determine your direction. If you’re ever in doubt, turn them on. It’s better to be safe.
