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Vessel lighting requirements

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  3. Vessel lighting requirements

Your vessel must display lights from sunset to sunrise and in rain and fog to help other boats know which way you're heading. Not using lights could result in a fine.

Out at night? Show a light

  • If your boat is at anchor at night, and is less than 50m in length, you must show an all-round white light where it will be visible from all directions
  • Lights have a minimum range of 1 nautical mile for sidelights and 2 nautical miles for white lights
  • Check that the lights fitted to your boat are showing through the correct arc
  • sailing boats have different light configuration requirements. Check with www.maritimenz.govt.nz for more detail.
  • When you are drift fishing navigation lights must be shown.

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