Sidelights on rescue boats: UK21/L005

Adopted EU recommendation LSA-012. UK approved recommendation on the use of navigation lights on rescue boats.

Question

Should sidelights be required on rescue boats/fast rescue boats?

Recommendation

When a fast rescue boat is in the water and manoeuvring at night at speeds in excess of 7 knots the collision regulations require an all-round white light and sidelights, depending on length.

These are to be displayed accordingly. 

References

MSN 1874 as amended

The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended

Items affected

• UK/1.18, Rigid rescue boats

• UK/1.19, Inflated rescue boats

• UK/1.20, Fast rescue boats

• UK/1.43, Rigid-inflated rescue boats

More information

Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000

Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

Updates to this page

Published 18 July 2023