Short answer
All boats under way must show navigation lights from sunset to sunrise, as required by the collision regulations in TSFS 2009:44. A motorboat under 7 metres with a top speed of no more than 7 knots only needs an all-round white light. Faster or longer motorboats need a masthead light, red and green sidelights and a sternlight. A sailboat under sail carries no masthead light.
Which navigation lights your boat must have
| Boat | Navigation lights | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Motorboat under 7 m, max 7 knots | One white all-round light. Sidelights are recommended if they can be fitted. | Not specified |
| Motorboat 7 to 12 m, or under 7 m and over 7 knots | White masthead light at least 1 m above the sidelights, red and green sidelights, white sternlight. The masthead light and sternlight may be replaced by one white all-round light. | Masthead 2 M, sides 1 M, stern 2 M |
| Motorboat 12 to 20 m | White masthead light 2.5 m above the gunwale and at least 1 m above the sidelights, sidelights (may be combined), white sternlight. | Masthead 3 M, sides 2 M, stern 2 M |
| Sailboat under sail | Sidelights and sternlight, no masthead light. They may be fitted in a combined tricolour lantern at or near the top of the mast. | Sides 1 M under 12 m, otherwise 2 M. Stern 2 M. |
| At anchor, under 50 m | One white all-round anchor light where it is best seen. | |
| Aground, 12 m or more | The anchor light plus two red all-round lights in a vertical line. |
M means nautical miles. The red sidelight is on the port side and the green on the starboard side. A boat under 12 metres that is aground needs no extra lights.
Small boats without fixed navigation lights
A rowing boat or small motorboat that can't carry navigation lights must have a lit lamp or lantern showing white light so it can be seen. When you meet other traffic, keep a clear distance so you don't end up on a collision course.
Navigation lights also show other boats' heading in the dark. How to read them is explained in the guide to give-way rules.
Approved navigation lights and pre-season testing
Navigation lights fitted on board must meet the requirements in TSFS 2009:44. Transportstyrelsen also accepts navigation lights approved in another EU country.
- Switch on all navigation lights at the dock and walk around the boat.
- Check that the light isn't blocked by the sprayhood, canopy or anchor.
- Keep spare fuses and spare bulbs on board.
- If you charge the house battery separately, read the 12-volt guide.
Frequently asked questions
When must navigation lights be on?
From sunset to sunrise when the boat is underway. When you're at anchor, switch on the anchor light.
Which side is red and which is green?
Red on the port side, which is the left when facing forward. Green on starboard.
Is a flashlight enough on a small boat?
For a boat under 7 metres that does no more than 7 knots and can't carry navigation lights, a lit lamp or lantern showing white light is enough. Show it in good time so other boats can see you.
Do I need an anchor light in a natural harbour?
Yes. A boat under 50 metres lying at anchor must show an all-round white light where it can best be seen, so other boats can spot it in the dark.
Can a sailboat have its masthead light on while sailing?
No. Under sail you show sidelights and a sternlight, preferably in a combined tricolour lantern at the masthead.
Sources
- Öka säkerheten på din båt, lanternor, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Regler för lanternor på fritidsbåt, Sjöräddningssällskapet sjoraddning.se