Directional Light (Dir)

A navigation light visible over a restricted sector and used to indicate a particular direction.

A directional light may mark a channel centreline, an approach track or the direction in which a vessel should steer. Its colour or character can change outside the preferred sector, or the light may disappear when the vessel moves beyond the useful arc. The chart and light list identify the light’s purpose, bearings, sectors and characteristics. Bearings must be interpreted using the stated reference, and a directional light should be used with the chart, position fixing, depth and other available aids rather than as an isolated steering guarantee.