Navigation Lights

The onboard lighting system is the primary tool for communicating your presence during nighttime hours or in low-visibility conditions. Installing lights that comply with international COLREG regulations ensures that the light range and visibility angle are correct for your vessel's length, preventing collisions in open water.

When selecting navigation lights, evaluate the housing material. AISI 316 withstands prolonged salt exposure, and the IP rating must be appropriate for the installation's exposure level. A device rated IP67 provides protection against temporary immersion, which is essential for lights mounted at the bow or on fast hulls that ship water. Always verify the specific certification for your vessel's length, since the regulations differ for boats under and over 12 meters.

At Nautiba we support you in making the right technical choice before you buy. Our approach is based on specification verification: if you have doubts about the socket type, voltage, or compatibility with your existing system, ask us. We know nautical electrical systems well and prefer to suggest the most appropriate component to avoid loose connections or premature oxidation caused by unsuitable materials.

How to navigate the choice of navigation lights

Choosing the right navigation light requires attention to a few technical parameters that determine the durability and safety of the entire lighting system.

• Check the certification: confirm that the light is approved for your vessel's length class, in compliance with current COLREG regulations.
• Materials and durability: prefer AISI 316 housings for external installations, since stainless steel resists galvanic corrosion better.
• IP rating: make sure the device has a rating of IP67 or higher if mounted in areas directly exposed to spray.
• Energy efficiency: consider switching to LED light sources to reduce the load on the electrical system and extend battery life.

Always verify the fitting type and the mounting cavity dimensions. Switching technologies, such as moving to LED bulbs, often requires checking that the existing system properly handles the load or that a supplementary resistor is not needed to prevent false fault warnings on the instrument panel.

Why is COLREG certification essential?

COLREG compliance ensures that the light's range is visible at the distance required by international regulations. A non-certified light may not be correctly recognized by other vessels, putting nighttime navigation safety at risk.

How do I protect the electrical contacts on navigation lights?

Oxidation is the primary enemy. In addition to choosing products with a good IP rating, apply dielectric grease to the contacts and make sure the seals are intact. Periodic inspection of these elements prevents moisture from wicking up the cables and damaging the upstream system.