What is the minimum length of vessels required to show two anchor lights?

What is the minimum length of vessels required to show two anchor lights?

• A. 20 meters
• B. 50 meters
• C. 100 meters
• D. 150 meters

Answer: (B)

When a vessel is at anchor, it must be lit to indicate its stationary status to other traffic. The lighting rule includes a length-based requirement: smaller vessels may show a single anchor light, but vessels that are fifty meters or longer must display two anchor lights in a vertical line. These two lights, placed forward and toward the stern, make the anchored vessel’s position and orientation clear from all directions, reducing risk of collision in darkness or limited visibility. Therefore, the minimum length that requires two anchor lights is fifty meters.

When a vessel is at anchor, it must be lit to indicate its stationary status to other traffic. The lighting rule includes a length-based requirement: smaller vessels may show a single anchor light, but vessels that are fifty meters or longer must display two anchor lights in a vertical line. These two lights, placed forward and toward the stern, make the anchored vessel’s position and orientation clear from all directions, reducing risk of collision in darkness or limited visibility. Therefore, the minimum length that requires two anchor lights is fifty meters.