Night Watching at Sea

Night Watching at Sea


Night cruising at sea is a situation that needs to be more careful and requires more experience in spite of daytime cruises. When driving at night, the captain must pay attention to all auxiliary lights and observe them. These lights are extremely important to take precautions in case of possible problems. If we talk about which light means what and how it should be interpreted.

• If you see the red and green lights of the other boat at the same time while you are cruising, this means that you are entitled to the road.

• If you see only a white light, it indicates that a boat is approaching you from behind or that you are approaching a moored boat. In this case, you are approaching the boat that has the right to the road and you have to cross the pier or starboard of this boat.

• If you see a white light and a red light, the boat you see is the boat that has the right of way. In this case, either you need to turn to the starboard behind or let you pass.

• If you see green and red lights together, and you see a white lighthouse on top, it means that you are approaching another bow from the bow. When this is the case, both sides are on the boat.

• If you see only red or green light, this means that you are approaching a sailing boat. When this happens, you will be the boat that gives way.

• If you see only one of the red or green lights. Again, in this case, you will be the boat. The most important thing you should know about sailboats in the sea at night; if it is not in a narrow channel or is not catching up, the sailboat is always entitled to the road.