This is interesting. I suspect the extra range wanted for the masthead light is because it is the first light seen on an oncoming vessel so the rule makers wanted to let us see that light easily to draw our attention to the fact that a vessel was approaching (as opposed to the 2 mile stern seen when overtaking thus giving us more time to sort things out).
The horizon on my boat is about 4.5 miles and I almost always see a white light when it pops over the horizon, rarely does it gradually grow in brightness from nothing. Of course, most of the boats I see out there are motorboats with lots of electricity available. I did check my COLREGS and check a bit on line. It does add up that an anchor light on any boat less than 50 meters is 2 mile. Norm S/V Bandersnatch Lying Gloucester MA ----- Original Message ----- From: Alan Lewis To: [email protected] Sent: 7/13/2010 7:07:46 AM Subject: Re: [Liveaboard] (T&T: & TWL2:) Anchor Light v. Steaming Light The current COLREGS visibility requirements for vessels less than 50m are: (b)In vessels of 12 meters or more in length but less than 50 meters in length; a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles; a sidelight, 2 miles; a sternlight, 2 miles, A towing light, 2 miles; a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles. I believe that an anchor light under these rules is an all-round light; the masthead light refers to a steaming light. This is consistant with the certifications cited by most navigation light manufacturers. Alan "Victoria" Lying Kittery, ME K1ALL Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. See how.
_______________________________________________ Liveaboard mailing list [email protected] To adjust your membership settings over the web http://liveaboardonline.com/mailman/listinfo/liveaboard To subscribe send an email to [email protected] To unsubscribe send an email to [email protected] The archives are at http://www.liveaboardonline.com/pipermail/liveaboard/ To search the archives http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] The Mailman Users Guide can be found here http://www.gnu.org/software/mailman/mailman-member/index.html
