The Improvement of Navigation Lights and Signals

Extract

The Forum comments about small craft lights by Bernard Hayman clearly shows up a shortcoming in the original argument put forward. In relegating the single white light to small craft, and then forgetting it, I have failed to develop this particular argument to its conclusion.

Although I cannot agree with Mr. Hayman's reasoning, the shortcoming must be rectified. To this end, may I propose that: ‘Vessels of less than 65 ft., propelled by any means (sailing vessels by definition are excluded from this), to show a single white light, visible all round the horizon for a distance of at least 5 miles. This light to be not less than 9 ft. above the gunwale. These vessels also to show sidelights prescribed in Rule 7(a(ii)), or if less than 40 ft. in length, may show in lieu the lantern prescribed in Rule 7(d).’