Green Starboard Navigation Light

Green Starboard Navigation Light

Definition of Green Navigation Light

A green navigation light marks the starboard (right) side of a vessel when operating at night or in reduced visibility such as fog, rain, or twilight. Together with the red port light, it forms the core of your boat’s navigation lighting system, helping nearby vessels determine your direction of travel and right-of-way.

The green navigation light complements the red port light to prevent collisions and ensure clear communication on the water:

• If another vessel sees green, they’re approaching your starboard side.

• If they see red, they’re approaching your port side.

• Seeing both colors means your vessel is heading toward them.

These simple color codes are critical for safety under both U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and International COLREGs standards.

Required Placement and Visibility

To meet USCG and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), green navigation lights must follow these specifications:

• Color: Pure green

• Mounting position: Starboard (right) side of the vessel

• Arc of visibility: 112.5 degrees

• Coverage: From directly ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam

• Minimum visibility distance:

  • 1 nautical mile for boats under 39 ft

  • 2 nautical miles for boats 39 ft and larger

As vessel size increases, the green light should be mounted higher for greater visibility and to avoid obstruction by railings, hardtops, or other structures.

Where Green Navigation Lights Are Used

Green navigation lights are required on:

• Powerboats operating under engine power

• Sailboats when underway (under sail or motor)

• Commercial and passenger vessels

• Personal watercraft and tenders operating at night

For smaller vessels (under 65 ft), a bi-color combination light may be used. This fixture merges the red (port) and green (starboard) lights into a single unit, typically mounted on the centerline of the bow.

DRSA-Recommended Products

Explore marine-grade green navigation lights that meet all USCG and ABYC standards:

• NaviLED PRO Bi-Color Navigation Light – Combines red and green LEDs in a single, compact fixture.

• Hella Marine NaviLED PRO Starboard Light (Green) – Energy-efficient LED for the starboard side.

• Deck Mount LED Navigation Lamp Kit – Complete red and green lamp set for smaller boats.

• Lumitec Surface Mount Navigation Light – Green (Starboard) – Compact, surface-mount LED, USCG 2 NM rated, ideal for arches and pilot houses.

• Lumitec Contour Series Inset Navigation Light – Green (Starboard) – Flush-mount design for a seamless look with no exposed fasteners.

• Lumitec Contour Series Navigation/Docking Combination Light – Green (Starboard) – Dual-purpose unit combining a 2 NM navigation light and 1,000-lumen docking light.

• Lumitec Contour Anchor Light 20″ – White anchor light with a sleek low-profile base and retractable shaft.

All DRSA-carried navigation lights feature long-life LEDs, IP67/IP68 waterproof ratings, and low-draw circuitry, making them perfect for sport boats, yachts, and commercial applications.