The Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1989

Rule 22 Visibility of lights

The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as specified in Section 8 of Annex I to these Regulations so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:

(a) In vessels of 50 metres or more in length:

• a masthead light, 6 miles;

• a sidelight, 3 miles;

• a sternlight, 3 miles;

• a towing light, 3 miles;

• a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles.

(b) In vessels of 12 metres or more in length but less than 50 metres in length:

• a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 metres, 3 miles;

• a sidelight, 2 miles;

• a sternlight, 2 miles;

• a towing light, 2 miles;

• a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.

(c) In vessels of less than 12 metres in length: –a masthead light, 2 miles;

• a sidelight, 1 mile;

• a sternlight, 2 miles;

• a towing light, 2 miles;

• a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.

(d) In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects being towed:

• a white all-round light, 3 miles.