Marine navigation lights

On the vast and boundless ocean, the navigation of ships cannot be separated from the guidance of navigation lights. These seemingly simple lights are actually important equipment for ships at night or when visibility is poor, used to indicate their own position and direction of travel, facilitating mutual avoidance and recognition. From ancient lighthouses to modern intelligent navigation lights, marine navigation lights have undergone a long process of development, with their types, functions, and maintenance becoming increasingly sophisticated. This article will delve into the functions, types, installation requirements, maintenance and historical evolution of marine navigation lights, and provide detailed explanations on daily self inspection and maintenance suggestions.

The function of marine navigation lights

Marine navigation lights are signal lights used by ships at night or when visibility is poor to indicate their own position and direction of travel, facilitating mutual avoidance and recognition. It is an important equipment for safe navigation of ships, which can ensure accurate judgment of the surrounding environment in complex sea conditions and avoid collision accidents. If the navigation lights are not displayed correctly or not, the other ship cannot correctly judge or incorrectly judge the dynamics of your ship, which can easily lead to collision accidents. Therefore, the correct use and maintenance of navigation lights are crucial for the safety of ships.

Types of marine navigation lights

There are various types of navigation lights for ships. According to the “Revised Technical Rules for Statutory Inspection of Domestic Ships in 2016”, navigation lights refer to mast lights, side lights, tail lights, towing lights, ring lights, yellow flashing lights, control signal lights, and flashing lights (excluding daytime communication flashing lights). Here are several common marine navigation lights:

Mast light: a white light placed above the center line of the ship’s bow and stern, displaying uninterrupted illumination within a 225 ° horizontal arc. The device should display the lights from the front of the ship to within 22.5 degrees of each side’s transverse position.

Port lights: Red lights on the left and right sides of the ship’s highest deck, and green lights on the starboard side, each displaying uninterrupted light within a horizontal arc of 112.5 °. The device should display the lights from the front of the ship to within 22.5 degrees of the horizontal rear of each side. The side light cover should be coated with matte black paint towards the light surface.

Taillights: White lights placed as close to the stern as possible, displaying uninterrupted light within a 135 ° horizontal arc. The device should display the light from the rear of the ship to within 67.5 degrees on each side.

Ring lamp: a 360 degree omnidirectional luminous fixture commonly used for ships anchored to indicate their position.

Towing light: used for towing ships to indicate towing status and direction.

Flashlight: Used in special situations, such as when a ship loses control or requires emergency assistance, to draw the attention of surrounding ships.

Installation requirements for marine navigation lights

The installation requirements for navigation lights are very strict to ensure that their emission angle, height, and spacing comply with international maritime collision avoidance regulations, effectively avoiding misunderstandings and collisions between ships.

Here are some key installation requirements:

Installation of mast lights:

Except for operating the signal lights and when it is impossible to install the prescribed ring lights below the mast lights, the mast lights should be higher and away from all other lights and obstructions.

The height of the foremast lights above the hull should not be less than 6m; If the ship width is greater than 6m, the lamp height should not be less than the ship width, but not necessarily greater than 12m.

The foremast lights should be installed on the longitudinal section of the ship and placed no more than 1/4 of the ship’s length from the bow.

Installation of mast light:

The height of the mast light of a motor ship above the hull should not exceed 3/4 of the height of the foremast lights, but should not be low enough to be disturbed by deck lights.

The side lights of motor boats with a length of 20m or more should not be installed in front of the foremast lights and should be installed on or near the side of the ship.

Installation of taillights:

The taillights should be installed as close as possible to the stern of the ship.

Installation of ambient lighting:

Ring lights should be placed in positions where they are not obstructed by masts, top masts, or buildings with a light arc greater than 6 degrees, except for anchor lights.

Maintenance and upkeep of marine navigation lights

As an important safety equipment for ships, the maintenance and upkeep of navigation lights are crucial.

Here are some common maintenance measures:

Regular inspection:

Regularly test the signal lights on the control panel of the navigation lights and signal lights on the bridge to ensure their normal operation, and regularly verify the actual working condition of the signal lights.

Regularly inspect all navigation lights and signal lights for damage or leakage, clean the lampshades to ensure visibility of the signal lights.

Cleaning and replacement:

Regularly clean the glass and surface of the lighting fixtures to maintain the brightness and clarity of the light.

For navigation lights powered by batteries, regular battery replacement is necessary.

Fault handling:

If the navigation lights malfunction or are damaged, they should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

The navigation lights are equipped with power supply and control equipment. When any navigation light malfunctions, the automatic indicator device in the bridge should be able to automatically emit sound and light alarm signals.

The historical evolution of marine navigation lights

The development history of marine navigation lights can be traced back to ancient times, but modern marine navigation lights originated in the late 19th century. With the development of technology, marine navigation lights have undergone continuous improvements from kerosene lamps to electrification, and then to semiconductor light controlled circuit navigation lights.

The development of Yangtze River navigation lights is a typical example. In the 1950s and 1960s, kerosene navigation lights were used on the Yangtze River waterway, and waterway workers had to light and close the lights every day during navigation, under harsh working conditions. After the 1970s, the Yangtze River navigation lights were electrified, and the conditions of the lights were improved to a certain extent. Neon lights were not used until the late 1980s, but their lifespan was short and maintenance was difficult. Nowadays, the Yangtze River navigation beacon has developed to the stage of solar integrated intelligent navigation beacon, which has the advantages of small size, light weight, low energy consumption, green environmental protection, strong navigation ability, and good maintenance effect.

In the future, with the development of technology, marine navigation lights will become more intelligent and automated. For example, using IoT technology to achieve remote monitoring and fault diagnosis, and using artificial intelligence technology to achieve intelligent collision avoidance and path planning. These new technologies will further improve the navigation safety and efficiency of ships.

Summary

Marine navigation lights are an important guarantee for safe navigation of ships. From ancient flag waving and drumming to modern intelligent navigation lights, marine navigation lights have undergone a long process of development, with their types, functions, and maintenance becoming increasingly sophisticated. Proper use and maintenance of navigation lights are of great significance in ensuring ship safety and avoiding collision accidents during ship navigation. In the future, with the continuous advancement of navigation technology, ship navigation lights will continue to develop, providing safer and more efficient navigation services for ship navigation.

Marine navigation lights are not only products of technological progress, but also the crystallization of human wisdom and hard work. They are like bright lights, illuminating the path of ships in the dark, guiding navigators, and guarding the safety of every ship. Let us pay tribute to those waterway workers who silently dedicate themselves. It is their hard work that allows these lights to shine on the vast sea and safeguard the safe navigation of ships.