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Chapter 12
Navigation Lights, Sound Signal Equipment and Radar Reflectors –
Collision Avoidance
Navigation lights can help to prevent collisions by making your vessel
and its direction of travel more evident to operators of other vessels.
From the information provided by navigation lights, you can deduce the
direction of travel of other vessels and whether they are at anchor or
engaged in some other activity. Vessels in your vicinity will make collision
avoidance decisions based on the information your lights provide.
The collision regulations require navigation lights to be shown
from sunset to sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility. Make
sure your vessel is equipped with the required lights of the right intensity
and that they are correctly mounted. Proof is required that navigation
lights comply with the requirements of the Collision
Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act. The rules that apply to
your boat depend on its length, type of propulsion, and the waters in
which it is operating.
POWER-DRIVEN VESSELS ^
Figure 12-1 – Examples
 Up
to 50 Metres
Power-driven vessels 12 metres in length or more but less than 50 metres
are, when underway, required to exhibit one or two masthead lights, sidelights,
and a sternlight. Only vessels under 20m may have the sidelights placed
in front of the forward masthead light.
*Important: Only general information is provided here. It
is the obligation of the vessel operator to be aware of the complete collision
regulation requirements for their specific vessel.
Less Than 12 Metres
Power driven vessels of less than 12 meters in length are required, when
underway, to exhibit sidelights and either an all-round white light or
a masthead light and a stern light (Figure 12-2).
Figure 12-2 – Vessel Less Than 12 m
Anchored Vessels
Figure 12-3 – Anchor Ball
 A
vessel of less than 50 metres in length at anchor is required to exhibit
an all-round white light or one ball depending on the time of day and
visibility, where it can best be seen, to indicate the vessel is anchored
(Figure 12-3).
Vessels of less than 7 metres in length when anchored other than in or
near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally
navigate are not required to exhibit anchor lights or shapes.
SAILING VESSELS ^
A sailing vessel underway is required to exhibit sidelights and a sternlight
(Figure 12-4) or, if less than 20 metres in length, these lights may be
a combined lantern carried at or near the top of the mast (Figure 12-5).
As an option, a sailing vessel may exhibit at or near the top of the
mast, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper one red and the
lower one green. These lights are shown in conjunction with the sidelights
and sternlight but not with the combined lantern. (Figure 12-6).
Figure 12-4 –
Sidelights and
Sternlights
|
Figure 12-5 –
Combined Sidelight
and Sternlight |
Figure 12-6 –
Mounted
Sidelights |
  
*Important: Only general information is provided here.
It is the obligation of the vessel operator to be aware of the complete
collision regulation requirements for their specific vessel.
Sailing Vessels Propelled by Motor
Figure 12-7 – Conical Shaped Apex
 A
vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery must
exhibit a conical shape, apex downward (Figure 12-7). Vessels less than
12 metres in length are not required to exhibit the day shape in the Canadian
waters of a roadstead, harbour, river or inland waterway. Sailing vessels
operating under machinery, or under sail and machinery are considered
to be power-driven vessels and must display the lights prescribed by the
Collision
Regulations for a power driven vessel.
MAINTENANCE OF NAVIGATION LIGHTS ^
Navigation lights should be maintained in good condition. Always check
that lights are working prior to departing the dock. Be sure to carry
spare bulbs of the proper size and power. It is a good idea to include
navigation lights as part of your regular maintenance program.
Most lights use a rubber or foam gasket to seal against moisture. If
you see condensation inside the lens, it means the gasket leaks. Inspect
the gasket for proper placement, splits, or cracks and replace as necessary.
Spray gaskets with silicone and electrical connection with a corrosion
protector to extend fixture life. Be sure to polish the light, reflector,
and lens to a shine.
EQUIPMENT FOR SOUND SIGNALS ^
The Collision
Regulations require that you carry a sound signal device to alert
other boats to your presence or operational intentions. Sound signals
are necessary under certain circumstances, including meeting, crossing,
and overtaking situations. In addition, all vessels are required to use
a sound signal during periods of fog, heavy rain, or other conditions
of reduced visibility.
A vessel 12 metres or more in length shall be provided with a whistle,
a vessel of 20 metres or more shall be provided with a bell in addition
to a whistle. The sound signalling device must have an audible range of
at least 11/2 nautical miles for vessels under 20 metres, 1 nautical mile
for vessels 20 to 75 metres, and be capable of a "prolonged blast"
of four to six seconds duration.
Sound producing devices can be either hand, mouth, or power operated
for commercial vessels less than 12 metres in length, provided the sound
signalling device is able to make an efficient sound signal. The sound
signalling devices must also be capable of a producing a four to six-second
blast with a range of 0.5 nautical miles. A compressed air horn is an
acceptable sound signalling device under the regulations.
PASSIVE RADAR REFLECTORS ^
A radar reflector can help a radar-equipped vessel detect your vessel.
Vessels less than 20 metres in length or constructed primarily of non-metallic
materials must be equipped with a passive radar reflector mounted above
the superstructure, not less than 4 metres above the water. The reflector
must be able to maintain its performance under the range of foreseeable
environmental conditions.
The radar reflector requirement does not apply if your boat only operates
in limited traffic, daylight, and favourable environmental conditions.
Your vessel is not required to carry a reflector if compliance is impractical
because of the small size of the vessel or if it only operates where other
vessels do not use radar.
MORE INFORMATION ^
To consult your local Transport Canada Centre, please see Appendix 2,
page 101.
- Canada Shipping Act, Collision Regulations, CRC, Vol. XV, c.
1416
http://www.tc.gc.ca/acts-regulations/GENERAL/C/csa/regulations/010/csa014/csa14.html
- Canada Shipping Act, Small Vessel Regulations, CRC, Vol. XVII,
c. 1487
http://www.tc.gc.ca/acts-regulations/GENERAL/C/csa/regulations/070/csa076/csa76.html
- TP1861 – Standards for Navigation Lights, Shapes, Sound Signal
Appliances and Radar Reflectors (1991)
http://www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSafety/tp/TP1861/menu.htm
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