Red Port Navigation Light

Red Navigation Light

Definition of Red Navigation Light

A red navigation light is a marine safety light that marks the port (left) side of a vessel when operating at night or in reduced visibility, such as fog, rain, or twilight. It’s one of the most recognizable parts of a boat’s navigation lighting system, helping other mariners determine your vessel’s direction and avoid collisions.

The red navigation light works together with the green starboard light, allowing approaching vessels to understand your orientation:

• If another vessel sees red, they’re approaching your port side.

• If they see green, they’re approaching your starboard side.

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

Required Placement and Visibility

To comply with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), red navigation lights must meet these standards:

• Color: Pure red

• Mounting position: On the port (left) 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 (boats under 39 ft)

  • 2 nautical miles (boats 39 ft and larger)

As vessel size increases, the red navigation light must be mounted higher to ensure visibility from greater distances and avoid obstruction by deck structures or equipment.

Where Red Navigation Lights Are Used

Red navigation lights are required on:

• Powerboats operating under engine power

• Sailboats when underway (under sail or motor)

• Commercial vessels and passenger craft

• Personal watercraft and tenders used after dark

For smaller vessels (under 65 feet), a bi-color combination light which merges the red (port) and green (starboard) lights into one unit can be mounted on the centerline of the bow.

DRSA-Recommended Products

Explore marine-grade red 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 Port Light (Red) – Durable, energy-efficient LED for the port side.

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

• Lumitec Surface Mount Navigation Light – Red (Port)
  Surface-mount LED light for port side (red). Compact, low-profile, USCG 2 NM rated. Great for tops, arches, pilot houses.

• Lumitec Surface Mount Navigation Light – Green (Starboard)
  Companion to the port version — green LED, surface-mount, weather-resistant.

• Lumitec Contour Series Inset Navigation Light – Green (Starboard)
  Flush/inset design for clean integration into hardtops or surfaces. No exposed fasteners, sleek profile.

• Lumitec Contour Series Navigation/Docking Combination Light – Green (Starboard)
  Hybrid unit combining a 2 NM navigation light with a powerful 1,000-lumen dock light — useful for night maneuvering and mooring.

• Lumitec Contour Anchor Light 20″
  Tall anchor light (white) with low-profile base and retractable shaft. Fits nicely on smaller vessels or tight mounting locations.

All DRSA lights feature long-life LEDs, IP67/IP68 waterproof ratings, and low-draw circuitry, ideal for sport boats, yachts, and commercial vessels.

Example in a Sentence

“The red navigation light glowed steadily on the port side as the trawler made its approach to the marina.”

Synonyms

Port light • Port-side navigation light • Red marine light • Bow port lamp

Related Marine Terms

• Sidelights – Red and green lights visible from ahead or the sides of a vessel

• Green Navigation Light – Indicates the starboard side

• Combination Light – A single fixture merging both red and green sidelights

• Navigation Lights – The complete lighting system used for safe operation after dark

Quick Facts

• Required for night operation and low-visibility conditions

• Installed on the port side of the bow

• Visible from 1–2 nautical miles, depending on vessel size

• LED models provide brighter, longer-lasting light with minimal power draw