What lighting is required for a rowing or sailing boat less than 7 metres?

For a rowing or sailing boat that is less than 7 metres in length, having a torch or lantern that displays a white light is essential. This requirement is based on navigation safety regulations intended to ensure visibility and prevent collisions in various lighting conditions. The white light serves as a universally recognized signal to other vessels, especially during restricted visibility at night or in adverse weather conditions.

Using a torch or lantern is advantageous for smaller vessels, as it provides sufficient illumination without complicating the setup with fixed lighting systems. This flexibility helps in maintaining safety while accommodating the practical aspects of smaller boats, which may not have the capacity for more extensive lighting arrangements.

In contrast, a blue light is not a standard requirement for small rowing or sailing vessels, as it can be misinterpreted and does not convey the necessary safety information. Similarly, while sidelights are typically required for larger vessels to indicate their presence and direction, they are not mandated for boats under 7 metres, as these smaller vessels often have different safety lighting requirements. Lastly, operating without any lights in poor visibility conditions is unsafe and goes against regulations designed to protect all waterway users.