Rule 25 - Sailing vessels

Please note: The following information has been reproduced from Part C (Lights and Shapes) of the Prevention of Collision at Sea Regulations 1983 (external link). The purpose of the reproduction is to explain "graphically'' the requirements of navigation lights on a variety of vessels.

1. A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:
   1. sidelights; and

   2. a sternlight.
   • View example A 

     Example A

     

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2. In a sailing vessel of less than 20 metres in length the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen.
   • View example B 

     Example B

     

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3. A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by paragraph (b) of this Rule.
   • View example C 

     Example C

     

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4. 1. A sailing vessel of less than 7 metres in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
   2. A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this Rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

5. A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards.
   • View example D 

     Example D

     

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