Mast Lights
noun
Definition of Mast Lights
Mast lights are lights installed on the mast of a sailing vessel or a boat to increase visibility and safety at night or in low-light conditions.
They are typically white in color and are placed at the top of the mast, where they can be seen from a distance.
Mast lights come in different types and sizes, depending on the size and type of the vessel.
Some common types of mast lights include:
- Steaming lights: Communicate the direction of travel while underway
- Anchor lights: used when the vessel is at anchor or moored, and are required by law in most countries
- Tricolor lights: indicate the location and direction of sailboats smaller than 65 feet to other boats
| Type Of Mast Light | Light Color | Visibility Distance | Arc Of Visibility |
| Masthead light | White | 3 nautical miles | 225 degrees |
| Steaming light | White | 2 nautical miles | 112.5 degrees |
| Anchor light | White | 2 nautical miles | 360 degrees |
| Tricolor light | Red, green, and white | 2 nautical miles | 360 degrees |
| All-round white light | White | 2 nautical miles | 360 degrees |
Example of Mast Lights in a Sentence
"During the night, the mast light ensured that the vessel was visible to other boats while it was moored in the harbor."
Synonyms: navigation light, running light, and signal light
Related Terms for Mast Lights