Navigation lights quiz: identify boats at night

Which vessel configuration is consistent with these lights?

The configured vessel is observed at the shown aspect. Optional configurations and size exemptions exist; this is one authored portrayal.

Power-driven vessel with a single masthead light. The visible masthead and sidelight configuration is consistent with a power-driven vessel. This authored example carries the single masthead permitted below 50 m; the answer describes the shown configuration rather than a measured vessel length.

A masthead light, sidelights and a sternlight identify this power-driven vessel underway.

This is the single masthead configuration permitted below 50 m; smaller vessels have further permitted alternatives. A masthead light covers 225°, sidelights 112.5° each and the sternlight 135°.

• A crossing before the fog
• Read the lights

What does this bow-on light picture establish?

The configured vessel is observed at the shown aspect. Optional configurations and size exemptions exist; this is one authored portrayal.

Power-driven or towing/pushing configuration; vessel length remains undetermined. The two white lights align from exactly ahead. They could occupy separate fore-and-aft masthead stations or form a vertical towing/pushing stack. This view does not establish the physical installation, operation or vessel length.

Two white masthead lights, the after one higher, with sidelights and a sternlight identify this configuration.

The lights visible change with your viewing bearing. A vessel may also display two masthead lights when below 50 m, so two lights alone do not prove her length. Exactly bow-on, the two masthead stations can align like a towing/pushing stack; a changed aspect helps distinguish their installation.

• Two white lights and a green

Which vessel configuration is consistent with these lights?

The configured vessel is observed at the shown aspect. Optional configurations and size exemptions exist; this is one authored portrayal.

Not under command Two all-round red lights, or two black balls by day, identify a vessel not under command.

An exceptional circumstance prevents her from manoeuvring as the rules require. The displayed making-way profile also has sidelights and a sternlight; the day shapes do not establish whether she is making way.

• Two black balls
• Red over red
• Day shape · Not under command

Which vessel configuration is consistent with these lights?

The configured vessel is observed at the shown aspect. Optional configurations and size exemptions exist; this is one authored portrayal.

Engaged in trawling Green over white all-round lights indicate trawling. By day, two cones with their points together indicate fishing.

The making-way profile adds sidelights and a sternlight. The day shape covers fishing generally and does not distinguish trawling from other fishing.

• Lights on the port bow
• Green over white
• Day shape · Engaged in fishing

Which vessel configuration is consistent with these lights?

The configured vessel is observed at the shown aspect. Optional configurations and size exemptions exist; this is one authored portrayal.

Restricted in ability to manoeuvre Red, white, red all-round lights, or ball, diamond, ball by day, identify this status.

Her work restricts manoeuvring. This power-driven making-way profile adds masthead lights, sidelights and a sternlight. Some operations, including dredging, require additional signals.

• Lights across the working area
• Red, white, red
• Day shape · Restricted ability to manoeuvre

Which vessel configuration is consistent with these lights?

The configured vessel is observed at the shown aspect. Optional configurations and size exemptions exist; this is one authored portrayal.

Pilot vessel on duty White over red all-round lights identify a vessel engaged on pilotage duty.

When underway she also shows sidelights and a sternlight. There is no special pilot day shape under Rule 29; a pilot boat off duty shows the lights of a similar vessel of her length.

• White over red

Which vessel configuration is consistent with these lights?

The configured vessel is observed at the shown aspect. Optional configurations and size exemptions exist; this is one authored portrayal.

Two-light anchor configuration; vessel length remains undetermined. The authored installation has a higher forward and lower after all-round white anchor light. This arrangement is required at 50 m or more, but smaller vessels may also use it instead of the single-light alternative. Two anchor lights do not prove vessel length.

A forward all-round white light and a lower after all-round white light form this anchor configuration. One black ball is shown by day.

The forward light is higher than the after light. This authored vessel is 100 m long, but vessels below 50 m may also use the two-light installation instead of the single-light alternative. Neither the two lights nor the day ball establishes vessel length. Vessels of 100 m or more also illuminate their decks with available working lights.

• Two white lights, no colours