Ventana
Senior Member
I fully understand the purpose of the lights as far as identifying the type of vessel. However, I'm not sure what my vessel as configured could be confused as. White light on transom 3' above water line and another white 15' above water line.
My transom light is rather low and could vanish to an overtaking vessel in the seas. I want to be SEEN without screwing up my night vision or confusing other vessels.
Nothing against the rules leaving my aft facing flood light on, so I don't see a big deal with the low transom light being on.
Not trying to be argumentative, or claiming that I am doing right. Just was always confused by this and the rules seemed less than clear.
Not trying to be a jerk (ok,maybe just a little, but this is the internet).
You ask what your boat might be confused for.
Your vessel as seen from directly aft, with the lights as you have them now, would indicate a vessel over 50 meters in length, at anchor. Probably not very likely, but......
You say there is nothing against the rules about leaving your aft flood light on, but rule 20(a) specifically prohibits showing that light while underway.
If you added a forward facing masthead (steaming) light to your side lights and stern light while underway, and only used your all-round light when at anchor, your boat would be correct, regardless if you are just over or just under 12 meters.