Video Legacy
Rule 21 - Definitions
Overview
Rule 21 provides the definitions of lights within the COLREGs.
The rule forms the foundation of understanding for the rest of the rules in Part C.
Rule 21 - Definitions
- “Masthead light” means a white light placed over the fore and aft centreline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.
- “Sidelights” means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from the right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel of less than 20 metres in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centreline of the vessel.
- “Sternlight” means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.
- “Towing light” means a yellow light having the same characteristics as the “sternlight” defined in paragraph (c) of this Rule.
- “All-round light” means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.
- “Flashing light” means a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.
About This Work
This video was originally created for the YouTube channel Casual Navigation before later being republished under Refresh Maritime, where it has since been viewed over 70,000 times.
We regularly receive feedback that the COLREGs in Depth series is still used by cadets and nautical colleges around the world.
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