Whether you're sailing at night or in poor visibility due to fog or rain, proper navigation lights are mandatory and crucial for your safety. Without lights, you're barely visible to other vessels, which can lead to dangerous situations. This article explains which lighting is required for each type of boat and what you should pay attention to.
When is lighting mandatory?
The purpose of navigation lights is to make you visible to other vessels. In the Netherlands, the following applies:
- Always mandatory: between sunset and sunrise.
- Mandatory in poor visibility: fog, heavy rain or smog, also during the day.
- Not obligatory: during the day in good visibility (more than 1000 metres).
Navigation lights: the most important terms
The basic lighting on a boat consists of several lamps. These must be securely mounted with reliable navigation lamp holders to remain clearly visible.
- Top light: white bright light, 225° beam angle, straight ahead.
- Stern light: white normal light, 135° beam angle, straight astern.
- Sidelights: green (starboard) and red (port), each 112.5°.
- Omnidirectional light: white light, visible over 360°.
- Tricolour light: red, green and white combined in one fixture, often at the top of the mast.
Navigation lights for motorboats
For motorboats up to 20 meters, several options apply:
- Option 1: top light + side lights + stern light.
- Option 2: masthead light at least 1 metre above sidelights + sidelights + stern light.
- Option 3: All-round white light (≥1 m above side lights) + side lights.
For fast motorboats or speedboats (shorter than 20 m, faster than 13 km/h) sidelights plus a mast and stern light are mandatory.
Navigation lights for sailboats
For sailing vessels up to 20 metres there are various options:
- Side lights + stern light.
- Or: side lights and stern light combined in a lantern in the mast top.
- Optional: tricolour light at the top of the mast.
Is a sailboat also powered by a motor? Then the rules for motorboats apply.
Small boats up to 7 meters
- Small motorboat (<7 m, <13 km/h): all-round white light is sufficient.
- Small sailing vessel (<7 m): all-round white light. In the event of a risk of collision, a second white light must be displayed (e.g., flashlight or portable lamp).
Lighting when anchoring and mooring
A vessel anchored at night or in poor visibility must display an all-round white light . For added safety while mooring, jetty lighting is a valuable addition.
Additional lighting on board
- Underwater lighting: for better visibility and ambiance around your boat. View our underwater lighting for a safe and luxurious look.
- Interior lighting: provides comfort and clarity within the cabin. This is not a replacement for mandatory navigation lights , but it does contribute to safety on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need lights on my boat during the day?
Only when visibility is less than 1000 meters, for example due to fog or heavy rain. Otherwise, daytime running lights are not required.
What is the difference between sidelights and a masthead light?
Side lights are red and green and indicate the sides, while a masthead light is a white light that shines straight ahead at 225°.
Can I use a flashlight for lighting on a small boat?
Yes, for small boats under 7 meters, this is permitted in emergencies. However, a fixed set of navigation lights is much safer and strongly recommended.