Navigation and signal lights

What are navigation lights?

Lights, which during the night make visible the situation and the direction of a boat, in order to facilitate navigation and avoid collisions at sea.

Types

All boats, irrespective of their size, must have 4 (four) types of navigation lights:

1. Masthead lights: These lights are placed on the mast and give continuous white light at an angle of 2250 Pole lights must be visible from a distance of 2 to 6 nautical miles, depending on the length of the boat.

2. Side lights: It is a set of two lights that are placed on the sides of the boat. There is one green light placed on the right side (starboard) and one red on the left (port). Each must be visible at a 112.50 angle and from a distance of 1 to 3 nautical miles, depending on the length of the boat

3. Stern lights: This type of light is placed on the stern of the boat and gives continuous white light at an angle of 1350. Depending on the length of the boat stern lights must be visible from a distance of 2 to 3 nautical miles

4. All round lights: The lights of this category give white, red, blue, green or yellow light at an angle of 3600. It is visible from a distance of 2 to 3 nautical miles, depending on the length of the boat.

 

Categories

Apart from the above division, Lalizas navigation lights are categorized according to the type or length of the boat.

- 12 metres: The navigation lights of this category are especially designed for use on boats up to 12 metres in length

- 20 metres: Respectively in this category the lights are intended for use on boats up to 20 metres

- Pole light: These lights have their own category due to their diversity in design in relation to the rest of the navigation lights

- Powerboat: Navigation lights that are intended for powerboats have a separate category since they have differences in design and construction from the rest

- All round: This category includes all signal lights

Materials

Lalizas has set very high quality standards in manufacturing its products, in order for you to enjoy the best result. Specifically the outer shell of the navigation lights can be either a mixture between Nylon and Plexiglas or ABS plastic, which are resistant to UV rays. Depending on the type and model, the lenses are made from Plexiglas (PMMA), polycarbonate or acrylic, in order to have longevity. The contacts are either stainless steel or brass (new navigation lights). All models have nitrile water resistant seal to provide reliable long life.

The Regulations

The regulation that refers to navigation lights is the Collision Regulation ‘72, also known as COL.REG. 72. According to this, all vessels must show navigation and signal lights, in order to avoid collisions at sea. Although all countries commonly accept the COL.REG 72, each country sets its own requirements that are considered necessary. These can be more tests, such as vibration or water resistance tests and many more. Due to the variations from country to country and also due to the fact that there is not a European Directive, manufacturers must have certifications from each country. Depending on the model, Lalizas navigation lights are certified by countries such as Greece (E.E.P.), Italy (RINA), France (SN), UK (DOT), Netherlands (NMD), Australia (DOT), Spain (DGMM) and South Africa (DOT). It is necessary to follow the regulations on the type, positioning and operation of the navigation lights on board a boat, in order that you are safe and satisfy the requirements set by the relevant countries each time.

Internal & External Lights

Apart from Navigation and Signal lights we also offer a range of internal and external lights, suitable for cabin lighting, chart tables, companion ways, steps etc. For your convenience, LALIZAS has designed a range of new LED lights and fixed spreader lights. The LED lights use four 12V, low current draw, LED bulbs, while the fixed spreader light includes a 12V 10W festoon bulb. Easy to fit, they are made from UV resistant, ABS and Polycarbonate to ensure high durability and long life. They are available in various cover colours to match your boat.

All round lights

All round lights are not navigation lights but signal your position and actions or situation, so that other boats in the area can determine their direction. Also, depending on the colour combination and their position, signal lights indicate situations, e.g. two red lights in vertical order mean not under command.

Use

All round white light is used in powerboats under 7 metres long or in combination with the sidelights in boats under 12 metres long. In sailboats up to 20 metres a tricolour all round light can be used instead of three separate. Also, if the tricolour is not used, but the boat still needs to show navigation lights, one red over one green all round can be placed on the mast.

Instructions of Use

All round lights are mounted on the mast, as high as possible and are mounted with screws. All round lights are connected to the central or auxiliary circuit.

Maintenance

Lalizas all round lights are constructed in such a way, so as to withstand shocks and weather conditions. Nevertheless, in order to prolong their proper operation Lalizas suggests that you regularly: - Spray the lights with a silicone spray to protect the casing - Check the nitrile water resistant seal and if necessary replace it - Clean the contacts and spray them with a product that is only for electrical contacts In case the lights stop operating check the lamp and the connection to the circuit

Replacement

All navigation lights should be replaced when the lenses change colour or you notice cracks on the casing or the crystal.

Lights for boats up to 12m

This category includes all navigation lights that are designed and constructed according to the requirements of 12 metre long boats. The various groups of this category include all round lights stern, side and masthead lights.

Use

Navigation lights should always operate from sunset to sunrise. Sailboats must show sidelights and the stern light when they have their under sails, while when they are motor driven they must show the masthead light in addition to the rest. Furthermore, depending on the design of the boat, sidelights can be combined into one bicolour light, which is also available by Lalizas. Only for sailboats less than 12 metres, a tricolour light may be used instead of all the others.

Instructions of Use

The navigation lights in this category can be mounted either vertically or horizontally (tricolour) in relation to the deck and they are connected to the central and auxiliary circuit. They are mounted on the surfaces with screws or rawl plugs (‘FAROS’). Navigation lights with rawl plug have the advantage that they are much easier to mount and you only need to open one hole. Furthermore, the‘FAROS’, ‘JUNIOR’ and ‘EYE’ ranges are provided with a two sided adhesive tape and flange, which by sticking it on the surface you know exactly where to open the hole and the flange is already in the correct place. Navigation lights should not be put under any kind of strain. All lights should be positioned in such a place so as to conform to the regulations.

Maintenance

Lalizas 12 metres navigation lights are constructed in such a way, so as to withstand shocks and weather conditions. Nevertheless in order to prolong their proper operation Lalizas suggests that you regularly: - Spray the lights with a silicone spray to protect the casing - Check the nitrile water resistant seal, and if necessary replace it - Clean the contacts and spray them with a product that is only for electrical contacts In case the lights stop operating check the lamp and the connection to the circuit

Replacement

All navigation lights must be replaced when the lenses change colour, or when you notice cracks on the casing, or the crystal.