Theory Test Training
Navigation Lights (Nav Lights)
It is essential for your and your crew’s safety to be able to identify different types of vessels at night. Navigation lights can tell you whether you are about to meet a fishing boat or a container ship.
This section contains the most common types of navigation lights that you will see on other vessels, or will display on your own. You will need to know the status, aspect and length of the vessel where possible. We have made the images simple, using a similar format to that which you’ll find in your Dayskipper, Dayskipper Coastal and Yachtmaster exams. Good luck with your studies, and happy sailing!
Restricted Ability to Manoeuvre. Bow aspect. Pass on the green light side.
Minesweeper. Making Way. Bow aspect.
Towing another vessel. Starboard aspect. Tow under 200 metres.
Towing another vessel. Port aspect. Tow under 200 metres.
Towing another vessel. Bow aspect. Tow under 200 metres.
Towing another vessel. Bow aspect. Tow over 200 metres.
Towing another vessel. Starboard aspect. Tow over 200 Metres.
Towing another vessel. Port aspect. Tow over 200 Metres.
Vessel has run aground. Starboard Aspect.
Vessel has run aground. Port Aspect.
Restricted Ability to Manoeuvre. Port aspect.
Restricted Ability to Manoeuvre. Starboard aspect.
Restricted Ability to Manoeuvre. Bow aspect.
Constrained By Draught. Starboard aspect.
Constrained By Draught. Bow aspect.
Constrained By Draught. Port aspect.
Vessel is Not Under Command. Port aspect.
Vessel is Not Under Command. Starboard aspect.
Vessel is Not Under Command. Bow aspect.
Pilot vessel. Under way. Starboard aspect.
Pilot vessel. Under way. Port aspect.
Pilot vessel. Under way. Bow aspect.
Fishing vessel. Under Way. Starboard aspect.
Trawler. Under Way. Starboard aspect.
Trawler. Under Way. Port aspect.
Fishing vessel. Under Way. Port aspect.
Vessel over 50 metres anchored. Starboard aspect.
Vessel over 50 metres anchored. Port aspect.
Vessel over 50 metres. Anchored. Starboard aspect.
Vessel over 50 metres. Under way. Starboard aspect.
MULTIPLE ANSWERS: 1. Vessel at anchor. 2. Vessel's stern light. 3. Powered boat under 7 metres. 4. Boat Under oars.
Vessel under 50 metres. Under Way. Starboard aspect.
Vessel under 50 metres. Under Way. Port aspect.
Vessel over 50 metres. Under Way. Bow aspect.
Sailing boat under 20 metres. Under way. Bow Aspect.