A Look At Underwater Boat Lights

By Annabelle Newton


The need for navigational lights in the marine sector was highlighted as an effort to reduce the number of vessel collision at sea. Strong lights are ideal for conveying a message from one boat to another across long distances on a dark windy night. In the recent past the underwater boat lights category has been added to the conventional red, green and white lights.

On crowded waters, a boat may install a flashing yellow beacon to create more awareness. These navigation aids are simply colored sources of light energy strong enough to be viewed across considerable distances. Red lights are located on the port side while green sources are on the starboard side. Depending on the orientation of two vessels with respect to each other, the operators will be able to determine who has the right of way long before they meet.

The starboard side is generally the right side of a boat from an observer standing on board facing the bow. Also known as the senior side, this section of the quarter deck is largely for the occupation of the captain. It has become common for captains to hoist flags or pennants on the starboard yard as a trademark.

Due to the widely accepted practice of mooring the boats on the left side, it later came to be referred to as the port. By this approach, there was less likelihood of damaging oars, conventionally fitted on the right side. Quite regularly, the sea routes of vessels of varying design and size will intersect and caution must be exercised to avoid accidents.

Thus a small boat may be positioned such that its captain sees the green light of a large cargo liner. According to some well thought out rules, the former may be required to give way owing to the possibility of a constraining draft that limits the ship to its current line of motion. Moreover, large vessels may be restricted in ability to rapidly change their path on water.

Sailing ships have slower response to input at the steering mechanisms and may thus be granted the right of way against a powered vessel. An experienced skipper knows that a green light means proceed with caution and should not always be interpreted as a go a head. For this reason, it is mandatory for captains to be well versed with rules applicable throughout the voyage.

Risks should register in your mind each time you take out a boat into deep waters. A hazardous situation may turn into danger in a matter of seconds. Panic may grip your crew if they suddenly find themselves immersed in water. It is paramount that regular safety drills be organized until the skipper is satisfied all hands on board are competent.

Skippers are held fully responsible by law for the safety of all persons present on the ship. Whenever the crew is preparing for a voyage, the skipper must ascertain that all necessary equipment is on board. Another primary check is the motors, equipment and electrics such as underwater boat lights to ensure they are in acceptable working condition.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment