Navigation Lights
medium
8 models total
COLREG navigation lights are graded by visibility range, not brightness in isolation — a masthead light on a 60m vessel must show for 5 nautical miles, and swapping in an LED fixture without checking its rated range against the vessel's length is a common way to fail this requirement.
Read more — Navigation Lights explained ▾
What this type is
Navigation lights are the fixed lights a vessel must show under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) so that other vessels can judge its type, size, aspect and direction of travel at night or in restricted visibility. Each light — masthead, sidelights, sternlight, all-round, not-under-command, towing — has a defined arc of visibility in degrees and a minimum visibility range in nautical miles set by the vessel's length, not by a single fixed standard across all ships.
Main components
- Masthead light — white, forward arc of 225°, mounted on the centreline; larger vessels carry a second, higher masthead light aft of and higher than the forward one.
- Sidelights — red (port) and green (starboard), each covering 112.5° from dead ahead to abaft the beam.
- Sternlight — white, covering the 135° arc astern not covered by the sidelights.
- All-round light — visible over the full 360°, used for anchor lights, not-under-command signals, and on smaller craft that combine functions.
- Signal lights for special status — towing lights, not-under-command (two red all-round), restricted-in-ability-to-manoeuvre (red-white-red), fishing vessel lights, and similar COLREG-defined combinations.
Selection and sizing
| Vessel length | Masthead light range | Sidelight/sternlight range |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12m | 2 nm | 1 nm |
| 12-20m | 3 nm | 2 nm |
| 20-50m | 5 nm | 2 nm |
| 50m and over | 6 nm | 3 nm |
An LED retrofit must be selected against these COLREG Rule 22 ranges for the vessel's actual length, and the fixture's type approval certificate should state the range it meets, not just its power draw or lumen output.
Regulations and class
COLREG Rules 20 through 31 set the technical requirements for colour, arc and range; Annex I sets the detailed positioning and screening rules that stop one light's arc bleeding into a neighbouring sector. Fixtures must carry type approval evidencing compliance with these ranges and arcs, and class/flag surveys check the lights are the approved type, correctly positioned, and that the required indicator or alarm for light failure at the bridge is functioning.
Typical faults
- LED fixture swapped in without checking rated range — the light works but does not meet the visibility distance for the vessel's length.
- Screen or baffle damaged or missing, letting a sidelight's arc bleed across the bow and create a false aspect to an approaching vessel.
- Bridge failure-indicator lamp burnt out, so a navigation light outage goes unnoticed until reported from another vessel.
- Corrosion at the lamp housing seal admitting water, causing intermittent failure that is hard to reproduce during daytime testing.
What to look for in a supplier
- Type approval certificate stating the exact COLREG range and arc met, for the specific fixture model.
- Housing rated for the mounting location's vibration and weather exposure, not a generic marine rating.
- Compatibility with the existing bridge indicator/alarm panel wiring.
- LED driver quality — cheap drivers are a common early-failure point, not the LED itself.
Check navigation lights against their rated range at commissioning, not just for on/off state — a light that is lit but under-range is a COLREG deficiency that a night-time port state inspection will not accept.
8 manufacturers · 8 models
DHR
1
Navigation Lights
Incandescent/LED
· Navigation Data / Sensor
· LED navigation lights
Type
Incandescent/LED
Colreg approved
ja
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Bulb replacement (incandescent)
- Gasket seal aging
- Mounting bolt corrosion
Service: Widely used on European-built vessels. Good quality.
Spare Parts: DHR: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Netzwerk. Lead time: 1-4 Wochen. Backup-Systeme an Bord pflichtgemäß.
Strengths
- COLREG‑approved design ensures regulatory compliance worldwide
- LED version offers long service life and low maintenance compared with incandescent units
- Rugged housing with sealed gasket resists saltwater ingress on European‑built ships
- Standard mounting pattern fits most new‑build bridge decks and masts
- Wide acceptance in the European market gives easy access to spare parts
Weaknesses
- Initial cost higher than basic generic incandescent lights
- Retrofit on older vessels may require modification of existing brackets or wiring
- Gasket seals can age and need periodic inspection/replacement
- Mounting bolts are prone to corrosion if non‑stainless hardware is used
- LED heat dissipation must be managed in confined installations
Typical Vessels:
Container shipBulk carrierTankerRo‑Ro ferryOffshore supply vessel
Decision Guide: Choose if: you need a proven, COLREG‑compliant lighting solution with low long‑term maintenance and you are building or refitting a European‑style vessel. Avoid if: budget constraints favor the cheapest incandescent units or the installation space cannot accommodate the LED housing without modification.
Use Cases: Installed on bridge decks, mastheads, hull sidewalls and deck structures to provide navigation, anchor, and special purpose lights on new builds and major refits of merchant ships operating in international waters.
Glamox
1
Navigation & Signal Lights
LED/Incandescent
· Navigation Data / Sensor
· LED navigation lights
Type
LED/Incandescent
Colreg approved
ja
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- LED driver in harsh environments
- Signal light controller issues
- Connector corrosion
Service: Glamox (formerly Norselight). Strong in offshore market.
Spare Parts: Glamox: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Netzwerk. Lead time: 1-4 Wochen. Backup-Systeme an Bord pflichtgemäß.
Strengths
- COLREG‑approved lighting with integrated colour sectors
- Low power consumption when fitted with LEDs
- Robust offshore‑rated housings resistant to salt spray and vibration
- Modular design allows easy replacement of LED modules or drivers
- Wide product range covering both navigation and signal functions
Weaknesses
- LED driver can be sensitive to extreme temperature cycles in harsh environments
- Connector corrosion reported on older installations if not periodically inspected
- Higher initial cost compared with basic incandescent units
- Spare parts may have longer lead times for remote offshore depots
- Signal light controller firmware updates sometimes required to maintain compatibility
Typical Vessels:
Offshore supply vesselPlatform support vesselFerryCruise shipTankerContainer ship
Certifications:
IMO Type ApprovalDNV Classification
Decision Guide: Choose if: you need low‑power, COLREG‑compliant lighting for offshore or high‑speed vessels and value a rugged housing with modular LED modules. Avoid if: budget constraints favour basic incandescent units or the vessel operates in extremely hot climates where LED driver reliability is a concern.
Use Cases: Typically installed on bridge decks of offshore supply ships, ferries and cruise liners to provide navigation lights (red/green/white) and signal lamps (e.g., anchor, distress). Integrated with ship‑board control panels for automated sector switching and status monitoring.
Hella Marine
1
LED Navigation Light Set
LED full set
· Navigation Data / Sensor
· LED navigation lighting
Type
LED
Colreg approved
ja
Lifespan
50,000 hrs
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- LED driver failure
- Lens UV degradation
- Mounting bracket corrosion
Service: LED = 50,000 hrs. Type-approved for COLREG compliance.
Spare Parts: Hella Marine: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Netzwerk. Lead time: 1-4 Wochen. Backup-Systeme an Bord pflichtgemäß.
Strengths
- Very long service life (≈50,000 h) reduces replacement intervals
- Low power consumption compared with traditional incandescent lamps
- Instant full‑brightness output for immediate compliance
- Meets COLREG requirements and is USCG type‑approved
- Compact, lightweight design simplifies installation
Weaknesses
- LED driver modules have a known failure mode requiring periodic testing
- Polycarbonate lenses can suffer UV‑induced yellowing over many years
- Mounting brackets are prone to corrosion in highly saline environments if not maintained
- Higher upfront purchase cost than conventional halogen units
Typical Vessels:
Container shipTankerBulk carrierGeneral cargo vesselFerryOffshore supply vessel
Certifications:
USCG Type ApprovalCE Marking
Decision Guide: Choose if you need a low‑maintenance, energy‑efficient navigation lighting solution that complies with COLREG and USCG standards, especially on new builds or refits where long service life offsets higher initial cost. Avoid if the vessel operates in extremely corrosive conditions without a robust maintenance regime, or if budget constraints favor cheaper incandescent replacements.
Use Cases: Installed on deck structures as masthead lights, sidelights, and sternlights on merchant ships, ferries and offshore vessels; commonly used during new construction or retro‑fit projects aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce lamp‑change intervals.
Lopolight
1
LED Navigation Lights
LED modular
· Navigation Data / Sensor
· LED navigation lights
Type
LED
Colreg approved
ja
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Higher cost than traditional
- Module connector corrosion
- Color consistency between modules
Service: Premium LED nav lights. Modular design for easy replacement.
Spare Parts: Lopolight: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Netzwerk. Lead time: 1-4 Wochen. Backup-Systeme an Bord pflichtgemäß.
Strengths
- Very low power consumption compared with incandescent or halogen units
- Long service life (30,000+ hours) reducing maintenance intervals
- Modular construction allows individual LED modules to be swapped without removing the whole fixture
- High luminous intensity and colour stability meeting COLREG requirements
- Compact size and lightweight mounting options
Weaknesses
- Higher initial purchase price than traditional halogen/nav‑light units
- Connector corrosion reported in harsh marine atmospheres if not regularly inspected
- Potential colour‑balance variation between modules from different production batches
- Requires compatible voltage supply; retro‑fits may need wiring adjustments
Typical Vessels:
Container shipBulk carrierTankerPassenger ferryOffshore supply vesselTugboatCoastal cargo vessel
Decision Guide: Choose if: you need low‑maintenance, high‑visibility lighting and can invest in a premium system with modular replaceability. Avoid if: budget constraints dominate or the vessel operates in extremely corrosive environments without a robust maintenance regime for connectors.
Use Cases: Installed on bridge decks, hull sides, superstructures and deck lights of commercial vessels to satisfy night‑time navigation requirements; commonly used on new builds and during refits where reduced power draw and longer intervals between lamp changes are valued.
Orga
1
Marine Navigation Lights
LED
· Navigation Data / Sensor
· LED navigation light
Type
LED
Colreg approved
ja
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Helideck-specific requirements
- LED module replacement
- Salt spray corrosion
Service: Orga specializes in helideck and marine obstruction lights.
Spare Parts: Orga: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Netzwerk. Lead time: 1-4 Wochen. Backup-Systeme an Bord pflichtgemäß.
Strengths
- Low power consumption compared with traditional incandescent lamps
- Long service life (typically >50,000 hours) reducing maintenance intervals
- COLREG and USCG approved, ensuring regulatory compliance
- Robust housing designed for marine environments and salt‑spray exposure
- Compact design suitable for integration on helidecks and obstruction points
Weaknesses
- Higher upfront capital cost than conventional halogen units
- LED module replacement can require specialised tools or dealer service
- Reported susceptibility to corrosion if seals are compromised in extreme salt‑spray conditions
- Limited retro‑fit flexibility on older vessels with non‑standard mounting provisions
Typical Vessels:
Platform Supply Vessel (PSV)Offshore Support VesselCruise Ship with helideckFerryOil & Gas installation (rigs, platforms)
Certifications:
USCG Type ApprovalIMO SOLAS (Navigation Light) approvalDNV Class approved
Decision Guide: Choose if you need a low‑maintenance, regulation‑compliant LED navigation light that can be integrated on helidecks or obstruction points and operate reliably in offshore conditions. Avoid if budget constraints prohibit the higher initial cost, or if you require easy field replacement of individual LEDs without dealer involvement.
Use Cases: Installed on offshore supply vessels and platform support ships to provide mandatory navigation lighting; used on cruise‑ship helidecks as both navigation and obstruction lights; fitted on oil‑rig structures where high visibility and durability are critical.
Perko
1
Navigation Lights
Classic/LED
· Navigation Data / Sensor
· LED/Incandescent marine navigation light
Type
Classic/LED
Colreg approved
ja
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Incandescent bulb replacement
- Chrome plating pitting
- Lens cracking
Service: Traditional manufacturer. Both incandescent and LED options.
Spare Parts: Perko: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Netzwerk. Lead time: 1-4 Wochen. Backup-Systeme an Bord pflichtgemäß.
Strengths
- COLREG‑approved design ensures regulatory compliance
- LED option offers low power consumption and long service life
- Robust stainless‑steel housing with proven durability
- Interchangeable incandescent bulbs simplify on‑board replacement
- Widely used in commercial fleets, so spare parts are readily available
Weaknesses
- Chrome plating can pit over time, requiring periodic inspection
- Lens material may crack under impact or thermal stress
- Incandescent models have higher energy use and shorter bulb life
- Initial cost of LED units is higher than traditional lamps
- Limited to Perko’s product line – fewer colour‑temperature options
Typical Vessels:
TankerContainer shipBulk carrierPassenger ferryOffshore supply vesselFishing vessel
Certifications:
USCG Type Approval
Decision Guide: Choose if you need a proven, COLREG‑compliant navigation light with low power draw (LED) or easy on‑board bulb replacement (incandescent) and value robust construction. Avoid if budget constraints make the higher upfront cost of LED unacceptable or if the vessel operates in environments where lens impact resistance is critical.
Use Cases: Installed on deck, mast or superstructure to provide required navigation signals (masthead, sidelights, sternlight, anchor light). Commonly fitted on commercial vessels that operate round‑the‑clock and require reliable night‑time visibility.
Tideland Signal
1
Marine Lanterns
LED
· Navigation Data / Sensor
· LED marine lantern
Type
LED
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- AtoN regulatory compliance
- Solar power system aging
- Lens fouling
Service: Used for buoys, lighthouses, and vessel obstruction lights.
Spare Parts: Tideland Signal: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Netzwerk. Lead time: 1-4 Wochen. Backup-Systeme an Bord pflichtgemäß.
Strengths
- Very low power consumption, enabling long autonomous operation on solar panels
- LED life typically >50,000 hours, reducing replacement intervals
- Meets or exceeds AtoN luminous intensity requirements for most categories
- Robust sealed housing with high corrosion resistance (IP68/70)
- Straight‑forward retrofit onto existing lantern fixtures
Weaknesses
- Solar panel performance degrades over time, shortening autonomy if not replaced
- Lens fouling in harsh marine environments can diminish output and requires regular cleaning
- Older firmware may not satisfy the latest IMO/DNV updates without upgrade
- Limited color options (generally white, red, green only)
- Higher upfront cost compared with traditional incandescent lanterns
Typical Vessels:
Coast Guard patrol vesselsOffshore supply shipsResearch vesselsFerriesCruise liners
Certifications:
USCG Type ApprovalIMO Performance Standard 1
Decision Guide: Choose if you need a low‑maintenance, high‑visibility LED lantern with solar capability for remote aids or vessel obstruction marking. Avoid if you cannot guarantee regular lens cleaning or require the absolute newest IMO/DNV firmware on existing installations.
Use Cases: Deployed on offshore navigation buoys, harbor entrance lights, lighthouse retrofits, and hull‑mounted obstruction lights on vessels where reliable, low‑power illumination is critical.
Tranberg
1
Navigation Lights
LED/Incandescent
· Navigation Data / Sensor
· LED/Incandescent navigation lights
Type
LED/Incandescent
Colreg approved
ja
Atex option
ja
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- ATEX certification maintenance
- High cost
- Heavy construction
Service: Tranberg (R. Stahl) nav lights. ATEX certified for gas carriers.
Spare Parts: Tranberg: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Netzwerk. Lead time: 1-4 Wochen. Backup-Systeme an Bord pflichtgemäß.
Strengths
- ATEX certification available for hazardous atmospheres on gas carriers
- Dual light source options (LED and incandescent) for redundancy
- Full compliance with COLREG requirements
- High‑intensity output for long‑range visibility
- Robust, marine‑grade construction
Weaknesses
- Higher purchase price than standard navigation lights
- Relatively heavy mounting hardware
- ATEX certification requires periodic maintenance and documentation
- Limited to vessels that can accommodate the extra weight and cost
Typical Vessels:
LNG/LPG carriersChemical tankersOffshore supply vesselsPlatform support vesselsGeneral cargo ships requiring ATEX‑rated equipment
Certifications:
ATEX (EU hazardous area certification)IMO SOLAS / COLREG compliance
Decision Guide: Choose if the vessel operates in explosive atmospheres or transports gas/liquid hydrocarbons and needs ATEX‑rated lighting, or when redundancy between LED and incandescent sources is required. Avoid if budget constraints are primary, weight savings are critical, or the ship does not operate in hazardous zones.
Use Cases: Installed on deck structures, superstructures, and cargo area enclosures of gas carriers and offshore vessels to provide mandatory navigation signaling while meeting strict explosion‑proof standards.