Night Navigation by Grog

Using the Test Pages: Tap on Each Page to reveal the Scene. The Arrows on either side go to another Test Page. If you are using a Keyboard, use the Arrow Keys and the Space Bar..

Important Light Patterns: The patterns represent critical situations to be memorized by anyone taking the helm at night. More details are to be found on the US Coastguard Website and the US European Code for Inland Waterways..

Presentation: Test your knowledge until each pattern is familiar. For teaching, the other vessels are shown close to your ship, the very situation that these lights are normally intended to prevent.

Primary Focus: Concentrate on which side light is showing and whether there are additional lights on the mast. Place no trust in the vertical alignment of the Mast lights with the Port or Starboard light. The heading of the other vessel will affect this.

Additional White light: Moving vessels in excess of 50 feet have an additional white light further aft at a greater elevation.

Major Omissions: Restricted Ability, Towline in Use, Vessel Anchored, Shallow Water, and Vessel not Under Command. Such vessels are stationary or moving slowly and the additional masthead lights should discourage any close approach.

Included: One rare example, Minesweeping, has been included. Years ago some friends told me they had been intrigued by all the pretty green lights and had gone close to take a look. They were very unpopular. So would you be.

Disclaimer: Handling boats, especially at night, is potentially hazardous. Lives may be at risk - possibly your own. These scenes have been prepared to help visualize and memorize light patterns. Apparent proximity and vessel relationship may not represent accepted practice. Recognition and response must occur when both vessels are still far apart. No responsibility is accepted for incidents arising from the use of this material.     Copyright. All rights reserved.