All-Round Lamp, What It Is and How To Use It
Plain-English Definition
An all-round lamp is a white navigation light that shines in a full 360-degree circle so other skippers can see your boat from any direction. Nothing on your vessel should block that beam.
What Other Boaters Learn From It
When your all-round light is visible, it tells others:
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Your boat is present and where it sits on the water
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Whether you’re underway or anchored, based on which other lights you’re showing
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How to avoid you safely at night or in restricted visibility
Who Must Show an All-Round Light
Requirements depend on your vessel type and situation. Here’s a quick summary always confirm local rules.
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Small powerboats
Most boats under 12 m can show an all-round white in place of separate masthead and stern lights, plus red and green sidelights. -
Powerboats underway above that size
Show a masthead and a stern light rather than a single all-round, unless your flag state allows otherwise. -
At anchor outside special anchorages
Show a single all-round white anchor light where it can be seen best. This applies to most vessels under 50 m. Very small craft may have limited exemptions in low-traffic areas. -
Sailing vessels
When sailing, a tri-color at the masthead may be used on some sailboats instead of separate sidelights and stern light. When using the engine, the boat is treated as power-driven and must meet the powerboat lighting scheme. At anchor, a sailboat shows an all-round white anchor light.
Visibility and range
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Color
All-round is white for power and for anchor lighting. -
Range
Typical minimum visibility is 2 nautical miles for small craft. Larger vessels often require 3 nautical miles. Check the rating on the light and the rule set you follow.
Where to mount it
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Put the all-round where it has a clear 360 degree view
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Keep it above eye level and as high as practical so railings, canvas, antennas, or towers don’t cut the arc
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On small powerboats that use a single all-round for running at night, mount it higher than the sidelights
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For anchor lights on sailboats, the masthead is usually the best location
Installation tips
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Use tinned marine wire and heat-shrink connections for a sealed circuit
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Isolate dissimilar metals with nylon or rubber washers to reduce galvanic corrosion
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Aim for level and plumb so the arc is true
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Test at dusk from ahead, abeam, and astern to confirm a clean 360 degree field
Common mistakes to avoid
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Mounting too low so passengers or gear block the beam
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Using a light that isn’t rated for the required visibility distance
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Mixing a tri-color with engine use, which is not allowed when under power
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Letting deck floods wash out your navigation lights
Quick spec checklist before you buy
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USCG and COLREG compliance noted on the product page
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Rated visibility that matches your vessel length
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IP67 or IP68 sealing for spray and washdown
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UV-stable lens and corrosion-resistant housing
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Voltage compatibility for your system, usually 12 or 24 V DC
One-sentence example
“The skipper switched on the all-round anchor light at sunset so the yacht would be visible from every direction through the night.”
Related terms
Anchor light, masthead light, stern light, sidelights, tri-color, range of visibility, running lights, COLREGs, USCG approval
DRSA-Recommended All-Round Lamps
Explore USCG-approved, marine-grade all-round and anchor lights trusted by boaters worldwide:
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Lumitec Contour Anchor Light – 12" Black Shaft, White Base
Compact, efficient LED all-round light with 2 NM visibility and corrosion-resistant base. -
Lumitec Contour Anchor Light – 20" Black Shaft, White Base
Sleek design, full 360° illumination, retractable shaft for minimal drag. -
Perko All-Round White Navigation Light – 12V
Classic marine construction with reliable 2 NM output and durable lens design. -
Lopolight Series 300-037 All-Round Light – 5 NM
Rugged, commercial-grade LED unit meeting global maritime standards.
All DRSA lights include long-life LEDs, low-draw circuitry, and IP67/IP68 protection, ideal for sport boats, yachts, and offshore vessels.
Example in a Sentence
“The skipper switched on the all-round anchor light at sunset so the yacht would be visible from every direction through the night.”
Related Terms
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Anchor Light – White all-round light shown when stationary
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Masthead Light – Forward-facing white light (225° arc) when underway
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Stern Light – 135° white light at the aft end
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Sidelights – Red and green lights visible from the front or sides