Northland's Harbourmaster's office has noticed an increasing number of boats displaying incorrect light patterns at night. Deputy Harbourmaster Peter Thomas says a particular concern is boaties using high-powered LED lightbars and spotlights as a kind of headlight to illuminate the water ahead while underway.
A boat coming towards you with a bright white light blazing off the bow makes it almost impossible to pick out its red or green sidelights, the signal other skippers rely on to work out what kind of vessel it is and which way it's heading.
Running a bright light forward can also ruin your night vision, giving boaties a false sense of security. "One might say it's 'blindingly' obvious why you shouldn't do this, especially if you have experienced a light like this coming toward you at night," Thomas says.
Vessels are required to display the correct navigation lights from sunset to sunrise, and in restricted visibility. Correct lighting displays for different vessels can be found in the council's boating book and other maritime publications.
Find out more about the requirements for correct lighting from the New Zealand Coastguard.
Displaying the wrong light pattern is also an offence under the council's maritime rules and bylaws, carrying a $200 fine. Check your lights are correct before you head out.
Learn more from the Northland Regional Council.
