Andrew Pace
Red and green lights on boats are called sidelights (or combination lights) and they are visible to another boat approaching from the side or head-on. The red light indicates a boat's port (left) side, while the green light indicates a boat's starboard (right) side. Vessels not under command identify themselves by showing two all-round red lights, one above the other.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Side | Port (left) |
| Colour | Red |
| Other colours | Green and white |
| Other craft's position | Starboard (right) side |
| Action | Yield right-of-way |
| Other lights | Stern light, masthead light |
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What You'll Learn
- Red light indicates a boat's port (left) side
- Green light indicates a boat's starboard (right) side
- Sailing vessels display red and green side lights and a white stern light
- Vessels not under command display two all-round red lights, one above the other
- Vessels engaged in fishing display a red light over a white light
Red light indicates a boat's port (left) side
If a red and a white light are visible, then another craft is approaching you from the starboard (right) side. In this situation, you are the give-way craft and must yield the right-of-way. You should take early and substantial action to steer well clear of the other craft. Reduce your speed, change direction, and pass at a safe distance behind the other boat.
A simple way to remember this is that if you see a green light, you can 'go' as another boat is approaching from your port side. If you see a red light, you should 'stop' as another boat is approaching from your starboard side.
Vessels not under command identify themselves by showing two all-round red lights, one above the other. They come at the top of the 'Stand On' list because they can't effectively take action to avoid a collision. This is defined as being due to an exceptional circumstance, such as damage that compromises their ability. Importantly, these vessels give us some other information. If they are making way through the water, they display their side lights and stern light. If they are not making way through the water, they only display the all-round red lights to indicate that they are not moving.
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Green light indicates a boat's starboard (right) side
These red and green lights are called sidelights (or combination lights) because they are visible to another boat approaching from the side or head-on. A boat less than 20 metres (65.6 feet) in length may combine the sidelights in one lantern that should be carried toward the stern at the centreline of the boat.
Sailing vessels and power-driven vessels avoid collisions in different ways. Sailing vessels do not display a forward-facing masthead light as that would mean it was being propelled by machinery. However, a masthead does need to be fitted and must be displayed when the engine is turned on.
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Sailing vessels display red and green side lights and a white stern light
Sailing vessels display red and green sidelights and a white stern light. These lights are used to indicate the vessel's condition and to avoid collisions with other vessels. The red light is displayed on the port (left) side of the boat, while the green light is displayed on the starboard (right) side. If a boat is less than 20 metres (65.6 feet) in length, the sidelights can be combined into one lantern carried toward the stern at the centreline of the boat.
The white stern light is only visible from behind or nearly behind the vessel. It shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels. This light is also used by fishing vessels to indicate that they are engaged in standard fishing activity.
Vessels not under command, such as those that are broken or have sustained damage, identify themselves by showing two all-round red lights, one above the other. These vessels are at the top of the 'Stand On' list as they cannot effectively take action to avoid a collision. If they are making way through the water, they display their sidelights and stern light. If they are not moving, they only display the all-round red lights.
It is important to note that sailing vessels do not display a forward-facing masthead light, as this would indicate that the vessel is being propelled by machinery. However, a masthead must be fitted and displayed when the engine is turned on.
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Vessels not under command display two all-round red lights, one above the other
If a vessel is making its way through the water, it will display its sidelights and stern light in addition to the two all-round red lights. If it is not making way, it will only display the two all-round red lights to indicate that it is stationary.
The red and green sidelights (also called combination lights) indicate the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of a boat, respectively. A boat less than 20 metres (65.6 feet) in length may combine these sidelights into one lantern, which should be carried toward the stern at the centreline of the boat.
Sailing vessels and power-driven vessels have similar lighting systems, with red and green sidelights and a white stern light. However, sailing vessels do not display a forward-facing masthead light as this would indicate that they are being propelled by machinery. A masthead must still be fitted and displayed when the engine is turned on.
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Vessels engaged in fishing display a red light over a white light
All vessels must display red and green sidelights (also called combination lights) to indicate their port (left) and starboard (right) sides to other boats. Sailing vessels must also display a white stern light. Vessels not under command display two all-round red lights, one above the other, to indicate that they are not moving. Vessels under 20 metres in length may combine their sidelights in one lantern that should be carried toward the stern at the centreline of the boat.
If a boat is displaying a red light over a white light, it is engaged in fishing. If you see a red and a white light on another boat, you must yield right-of-way. This means you should take early and substantial action to steer well clear of the other craft, reducing your speed, changing direction and passing at a safe distance behind the other boat.
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Frequently asked questions
A red light on a boat indicates that another boat is approaching from the starboard (right) side.
Two red lights on a boat indicate that the vessel is not under command and is unable to take action to avoid a collision.
If you can see a red light and a white light on a boat, it means that another craft is approaching from the starboard (right) side. You should reduce your speed, change direction and pass at a safe distance behind the other boat.
