Under international rules, which length category may display a red and green bow light instead of separate sidelights?

Under international rules, which length category may display a red and green bow light instead of separate sidelights?

• A. Under 12 meters
• B. Under 7 meters
• C. Under 50 meters
• D. Any length

Answer: (A)

Under international rules, small vessels can simplify their forward lighting by using a single combined bow light that shows both red and green, instead of two separate sidelights. This is allowed for boats under 12 meters in length. The combined bow light still conveys the same information to other vessels: red indicates the port side, green indicates the starboard side, helping others judge the vessel’s direction of travel at night. Larger vessels must use the standard separate red and green sidelights, so the allowance applies specifically to those under 12 meters.

Under international rules, small vessels can simplify their forward lighting by using a single combined bow light that shows both red and green, instead of two separate sidelights. This is allowed for boats under 12 meters in length. The combined bow light still conveys the same information to other vessels: red indicates the port side, green indicates the starboard side, helping others judge the vessel’s direction of travel at night. Larger vessels must use the standard separate red and green sidelights, so the allowance applies specifically to those under 12 meters.