Anchor Light

A white light displayed by a vessel at anchor to indicate its position to other vessels during the night or in poor visibility conditions.

An anchor light is a crucial safety feature for any vessel that is stationary and anchored, particularly at night or in conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog or heavy rain. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), any vessel at anchor must display a white, all-round light that is visible from a distance of at least two nautical miles. This light is typically placed at the highest point of the vessel, such as the masthead, to ensure maximum visibility from all directions. The purpose of the anchor light is to alert other vessels to the presence of a stationary boat, reducing the risk of collisions. For smaller vessels, the anchor light may be a simple battery-operated lantern, while larger vessels may have more sophisticated, permanently installed lighting systems. It is important to note that the anchor light should not be confused with navigation lights, which are used when a vessel is underway. The anchor light is only used when the vessel is not moving and is securely anchored. Failure to display an anchor light when required can result in fines or penalties, and more importantly, it can pose a significant hazard to other vessels in the vicinity.