Stern + Steaming = Anchor Light?

[deblen]

Originally Posted by capt jgw

"Steaming light" would only be understood by sailors. It means nothing to a power boater. On a power driven vessel the masthead light(s) most likely is/are at the top of the mast(s). On a sailboat it rarely is which is why we call it a "steaming light". But then again "masthead light" isn't descriptive as to it's function either. "Stern light" and "anchor light" are the only ones that are.

A "power boater" should know what a steaming light is because the light should be turned off when anchored or aground. Rule 27 & 29.


Steaming means "making way" under mechanical power.


Cheers/Len

[deblen]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Masthead = top of the mast. For sailboats the “steaming light” term is better.

Confusion of purpose & confusion of physical position.


Masthead (Steaming) Light is not always on the top of mast,& even when it is,it's light only shows 225deg centered ahead-toward the bow.
Other common mountings are on the front (ahead) face of mast.
I suspect the original name was mast ahead light.
The purpose of the masthead light is solely to designate a steaming vessel(of any type)-that is any vessel making way using mechanical power.


Too often sailboaters incorrectly refer to a mast top mounted tri light as a mast head light. It isn't!

A tri light doesn't even include a masthead light-it contains only P,S,Stern & anchor.-& is not to be used while steaming under mechanical power.


And yes,as stated by another poster,the all round anchor light can be mounted anywhere that it is "best seen". This MAY be on top of mast but not necessarily.


Cheers/Len

[deblen]

Originally Posted by thinwater

Good point, and yes and no. The USCG mentions COLREGS in the inland rules. I you read the USCG Navigation Rules, the first PP says this:



The International Rules in this book were formalized in the Convention on
the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, and
became effective on July 15, 1977. The Rules (commonly called 72
COLREGS) are part of the Convention, and vessels flying the flags of states
ratifying the treaty are bound to the Rules. The United States has ratified
this treaty and all United States flag vessels must adhere to these Rules
where applicable. President Gerald R. Ford proclaimed 72 COLREGS and
the Congress adopted them as the International Navigational Rules Act of
1977


and a few PPs down, under Inland rules, it says this:


Following the signing of the Convention on the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, a new effort was made to unify and
update the various inland navigation rules. This effort culminated in the
enactment of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980. This legislation sets
out Rules 1 through 38— the main body of the Rules. The five Annexes
were published as regulations. It is important to note that with the exception
of Annex V to the Inland Rules, the International and Inland Rules and
Annexes are very similar in both content and format.


So no, not really an excuse. I think they just read the quick-start guide.


And yes, Maryland also has includes coastal waters, although the police probably just hand over jurisdiction to the USCG.


But either way, just pitiful.

And if you are on the Great Lakes,you probably should be familiar with the multitude of Canadian Modifications.
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/...16/page-1.html