dual sets of navigation lights

[Seymore]

Originally Posted by Penna

I've got a 12-volt masthead navigation light wired to a panel, and am thinking of adding an additional port and starboard light on the cabin sides. I'm an electronic novice. Can I wire all of these to the same panel switch or do I need to add a new switch for the second set?

Add a new switch for the second set.

If you have two sets of navigation lights running, in the black of night on the ocean an approaching boat will tend to think there are two boats ahead and try to run between them.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Adelie

StuM covered it for the most part.
He left out that for certain sized boats the masthead (steaming) light can be combined with the stern light as a single all around white light above the red/green navigation lights.

It was clearly stated:

"A power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights;"

OK, I admit I did not specifically state:

When however a masthead light is carried in addition to sidelights and a sternlight or the all-round light prescribed in Rule 23(c)(i) is carried in addition to sidelights, then such masthead light or all-round light shall be carried at least 1 metre higher than the sidelights.