If your vessel is ___ meters in length or over, what is required for anchor lights?

For a vessel that is 50 meters in length or over, regulations mandate specific lighting requirements to ensure safety and visibility while anchored at night. In such cases, the appropriate requirement is to have two anchor lights: one positioned at the aft and a lower light.

This arrangement serves several purposes. Firstly, it helps other vessels to clearly identify the location and orientation of your vessel, thus reducing the risk of collisions. The upper light indicates the highest point of the vessel, while the lower light provides additional clarity, especially in situations where visibility may be compromised due to conditions like fog or heavy rain.

Having multiple lights enhances the visibility of larger vessels to smaller craft, which may have minimal lighting, therefore creating a safer environment for all vessels navigating in the vicinity. This regulatory requirement is a critical aspect of maritime safety practices and is in line with international standards set forth by the Colreg (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea).