Steaming Light: Illuminate Your Vessel with Style and Safety
A steaming light, also known
as a masthead light, is a critical navigation fixture for power-driven vessels underway. Designed to display a 225° arc of visibility from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam on both sides, this white light signals to other vessels that your boat is operating under engine power and indicates its direction of travel. Compliant with USCG and COLREGs regulations, steaming lights must be mounted above sidelights and visible for at least 2 nautical miles (3NM for vessels 12–50 meters).
At DRSA, headquartered in North Palm Beach, Florida, we stock a wide range of USCG-certified steaming lights from trusted brands like Lumitec, Perko, Lopolight, Hella Marine, and Attwood. Serving South Florida boaters since 1988, we provide expert product selection for vessels of all sizes, from small center consoles to luxury yachts. With same-day pickup and fast shipping to West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the Florida Keys, DRSA is your go-to source for premium navigation lighting.
Why Is It Called a Steaming Light?
The term "steaming light" originates from the era of steam-powered vessels. When a ship was "steaming" (operating under engine power rather than sail), it displayed this forward-facing white light to indicate powered operation. While modern vessels now use diesel, gasoline, or electric propulsion, the term persists in maritime tradition. Officially referred to as a "masthead light" in regulatory language, "steaming light" remains a common term among recreational boaters, especially sailors distinguishing between sailing and motoring.
USCG & COLREGs Requirements for Steaming Lights
To ensure safety and compliance, steaming lights must meet the following specifications:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Arc of Visibility | 225° – from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam on each side. |
| Light Color | White – must meet USCG chromaticity standards. |
| Visibility Range | 2NM for vessels <12m; 3NM for vessels 12–50m; 6NM for vessels >50m. |
| Mounting Position | Above sidelights, on or forward of the vessel's centerline. |
| Required When | Vessel is underway and operating under power (engine engaged). |
| Vessels Required | All power-driven vessels; sailboats when motor-sailing or motoring. |
⚠️ Sailboat Operators: When motor-sailing, display the steaming light to indicate power operation. During daylight, a black cone (point down) should also be displayed. When sailing without engine power, the steaming light must remain OFF to avoid misrepresenting your vessel’s status.
Why Choose LED Steaming Lights?
Modern LED steaming lights offer significant advantages over traditional incandescent options:
- Extended Lifespan: LEDs last over 50,000 hours, virtually eliminating mid-voyage failures.
- Energy Efficiency: LEDs use 90% less power, conserving battery life especially critical for sailboats on overnight passages.
- Durability: Marine-grade LEDs are IP67/IP68 rated, resisting saltwater, spray, and UV exposure.
- Instant-On Operation: LEDs reach full brightness immediately, with no warm-up period.
- Vibration Resistance: Solid-state construction ensures reliability in offshore conditions.
Types of Steaming Lights at DRSA
Lopolight Series 301-011 Masthead Light – 5NM
A premium LED masthead light designed for vessels 12–50 meters, offering 5NM visibility. Available in vertical or horizontal mount configurations with black or silver anodized aluminum housing.
- 5NM visibility for vessels 12–50 meters.
- 225° precision arc coverage.
- Optional deck light integration for added functionality.
Lumitec Contour Combination Masthead/Anchor Light
The slimmest-profile masthead light in the industry, combining steaming (225°) and anchor (360°) functions in a single fixture. Ideal for vessels under 12 meters.
- 2NM visibility for vessels under 12m.
- Slim, flush-mount design for sleek aesthetics.
- Available with 12" or 39" shaft lengths.
Perko Combination Masthead/All-Round Light – 12V
A versatile dual-function light for smaller powerboats and sailboats under 20 meters. Combines masthead and all-round anchor light functionality.
- 2NM USCG certified.
- Black or chrome base options.
- Trusted Perko quality since 1907.
Seaview C5 Certified Combo Masthead/All-Round Light – 3NM
A compact, USCG-approved combination light for vessels up to 20 meters. Features IP67 waterproof protection and a 3-year warranty.
- 3NM visibility for vessels up to 20m.
- Includes 7 feet of wire for flexible installation.
- Available in 12V and 24V versions.
How to Install a Steaming Light
- Choose the Mounting Location: Position the light above sidelights, on or forward of the centerline.
- Verify Arc Clearance: Ensure no obstructions block the 225° arc.
- Run Marine-Grade Wiring: Use tinned copper wire and route through conduit where possible.
- Connect to a Dedicated Circuit: Wire the steaming light to its own switch for independent control.
- Seal All Connections: Use heat-shrink connectors and marine sealant to prevent water intrusion.
- Test at Night: Verify visibility and ensure the light doesn’t interfere with sidelights or night vision.
💡 Pro Tip: For sailboats, consider a combination masthead fixture with separate steaming and anchor modes on independent switches.
Shop Steaming Lights at DRSA
Since 1988, DRSA has been South Florida’s trusted source for navigation lighting. Our North Palm Beach showroom stocks a complete inventory of USCG-certified steaming lights from top brands like Lumitec, Lopolight, Perko, and Hella Marine.
📍 DRSA Showroom: 420 US Highway 1, Suite 8, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
📞 Call: 561-842-5704
📧 Email: sales@drsa.com
Service Areas: West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the Florida Keys.
Explore our full collection of steaming lights and navigation lighting solutions online at drsa.com. Let us help you find the perfect light for your vessel!