Overview

The position of a craft shall also be clearly visible in the dark or in poor visibility conditions. This is of particular importance for collision prevention. For operation of a water craft in international waters the so-called International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea ("COLREGs") shall be observed, in addition the respective national laws apply for operation in international waters. The body of laws does not only contain the requirement of clear detection of the position, the size and the operating status (in service, at anchor, etcetera) of the craft are also to be signalled. This applies for seagoing and inland vessels but also for small craft up to 24 m length of the hull since they can be easily overlooked due to their comparatively small size and are therefore at particular risk. Navigation lights according to this standard which shall be electrically installed and mounted on the small craft in accordance with DIN EN 16180 serve for compliance of the mentioned legal provisions. Light emitting diodes are exclusively used in navigation lights according to this standard. They are particularly suitable as light source due to their low energy consumption, long life and high luminous intensity which can be achieved in the meantime. In contrast to the incandescent lamp the light emitting diodes emits light only in a very narrow wavelength range so that the various light colours necessary for signalling can be produced at relatively low effort. This standard is essentially based on the content of DIN EN 14744, for example for measurement of the luminous intensity and colour location values. This standard has been prepared by WG 19 of ISO/TC 188 Small craft with significant German collaboration. NA 132-03-92 AA "Positionslaternen" ("Navigation lights") at DIN is responsible as mirror committee.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 132-03-92 AA - Navigation lights  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 464 - Small Craft