With the latest technical advances in recreational boat lights – both for navigation and aesthetic purposes – recreational boaters have more choices than ever when upgrading their boat’s lighting.
However, the Coast Guard wants boaters to know that some of the new lights aren’t up to snuff and could increase the chances of a collision. It has found that some sold for navigation purposes don’t meet regulations, and other aesthetic lighting products such as LED ropes and underwater lights may go against the light provisions of the nautical rules of the road.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has three tips when shopping for or installing boat lights.
A helpful video by West Marine, “How to Choose the Right Navigation Lights for Your Boat,” can be found at http://goo.gl/o4oYoC.
