25
Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
Sailing vessels show sidelights and sternlight. May optionally show red over green all-round lights at the masthead.
Rule 25 covers lights for sailing vessels and vessels under oars.
a
A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit sidelights and a sternlight.
b
In a sailing vessel of less than 20 metres, the sidelights and sternlight may be combined in one lantern at or near the top of the mast.
c
A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to sidelights and sternlight, exhibit at or near the top of the mast two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green (optional).
d
A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights for sailing vessels or have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light to prevent collision.
Key Takeaways
1
Sailing vessels show sidelights and sternlight only (no masthead light)
2
Optional red-over-green all-round lights at masthead
3
Small sailing vessels may combine lights in one lantern
4
Vessels under oars need at minimum a white light ready
Common Mistakes
Expecting a masthead light on a sailing vessel
Confusing optional red/green masthead lights with required lights
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