When are lights shown and when are shapes shown?
Lights from sunset to sunrise, and by day in restricted visibility or whenever necessary. Shapes by day.
Rule 20.
Part of the convention Lights and shapes
The rules of this part apply in all weathers. Lights shall be exhibited from sunset to sunrise, and during that time no other lights may be shown that could be mistaken for them or impair their visibility. In restricted visibility the lights shall be exhibited by day as well, and in all other circumstances they may be exhibited when it is deemed necessary. Shapes are exhibited by day.
At sea it looks like this
Running into fog at noon: switch on your navigation lights, do not wait for dusk.
The rule says«Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all weathers. The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules».
Check yourself
Part of the convention: Lights and shapes
- Rule 21 The kinds of light
- Rule 22 Ranges at which the lights must be visible
- Rule 23 Lights of a power-driven vessel underway
- Rule 24 Towing and pushing
- Rule 25 Sailing vessels and vessels under oars
- Rule 26 Fishing vessels
- Rule 27 Not under command, restricted in ability to manoeuvre, divers, mine clearance
- Rule 28 Constrained by draught
- Rule 29 Pilot vessels
- Rule 30 Anchored and aground
- Rule 31 Seaplanes and WIG craft