Running Lights
noun
Definition of Running Lights
Running lights are essential lighting fixtures on a boat that indicate the vessel's position, direction of travel, and the size and shape of the boat.
They’re also known as navigation lights or position lights.
Below is a table summarizing the regulatory requirements for running lights.
| Navigation Light Type | Color | Location | Visibility Distance | Visibility Angle |
| Port light | Red | Port | 1 nautical mile | 112.5 degrees |
| Starboard light | Green | Starboard | 1 nautical mile | 112.5 degrees |
| Stern light | White | Stern | 2 nautical miles | 135 degrees |
| Masthead light | White | Masthead | 6 nautical miles | 225 degrees |
| Towing light | Yellow | Stern and masthead | 2 nautical miles | 135 degrees |
| All-Round light | White | At or near the center of the vessel | 2 nautical miles | 360 degrees |
Running lights are positioned to indicate the size, shape and movement of a boat.
The images below illustrate how running lights differ for various types of boats.
Example of Running Lights in a Sentence
"The captain turned on the running lights as the sun began to set, ensuring the safety of the vessel and its passengers as they navigated through the darkening waters."
Synonyms: navigation lights, position lights, signal light
Related Terms for Running Lights