Cockpit lights

[Webbsatwinni]

We are having a debate between friends, the questions are:

Can you use cockpit lights while:

*Under way?
*Anchored?
*At the dock? (This was the only one I thought was allowed)

Then a two parter, does the light color matter?
White is standard, but LEDs are in all colors but if you stay away from green and red, can you do say, blue?

I looked online and didn't see anything that said there are restrictions but it was a good discussion and thought I'd post it. I have heard people mention the MP will stop you for using cockpit lights underway, but while anchored, it might be a better visual over just the anchor light.

[SIKSUKR]

Pretty sure you can't have either on while underway. Here is another thread and there are more if you search this forum.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17536&highlight=cockpit+lights

[Phantom]

I can answer that with backup --

If you recall my earlier thread with the question..... "of being underway with a "stern" light on in addition to the 360 deg white light" http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17536


Well, the Forum turned that thread upside down so I simply emailed MP and got the following -- although I was asking a different question -- Webbsatwinni's question is also answered within the response

From MP:
"I checked with one of our Sergeants before responding to your question. He stated that the law is very clear on this and they do not allow any lights on a boat while it is underway OTHER than the approved navigational lights. He stated that the addition of other lighting even though for a good reason can be confusing visually to other boaters. "


Hope that helps

[BroadHopper]

The MS Mt Washington is in clear violation of the law?

[Webbsatwinni]

Thanks Phantom! We boaters get confused easily :)

My two cents, with all of the lighted water front areas, a single white light is tough to pick out unless it is moving as it blends. We boat at night regularly and we have found your crew is the best navigational aide.

[cmack]

From MP:
"I checked with one of our Sergeants before responding to your question. He stated that the law is very clear on this and they do not allow any lights on a boat while it is underway OTHER than the approved navigational lights. He stated that the addition of other lighting even though for a good reason can be confusing visually to other boaters. "


So how does this affect the use of a spot light to find markers?

[Phantom]

I suspect you are getting picky now --

a spotlight is on/off and typically not operated for any extended time while "underway" ..... I personally use my docking lights in lieu of a spot ... less blinding glare (again, a short 2-4 second burst).

unlike the Pontoon boats who forget their docking lights are not to be used as car "headlights".







.