Feux de Navigation
Navigation lights are a fundamental safety requirement on any vessel, ensuring visibility, collision avoidance, and compliance with maritime regulations. Whether sailing at night, in fog, or through busy waterways, properly configured navigation lights allow other vessels to interpret your position, heading, and operational status. At Upffront, we provide a wide range of navigation lights from leading manufacturers such as Lopolight, Mantagua, Navisafe, and Aqua Signal, covering everything from offshore yachts to tenders and commercial craft. En savoir plus....
Why are Navigation Lights Important?
Navigation lights are mandated under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). They provide clear visual signals that indicate whether a vessel is powered or under sail, its direction of travel, and whether it is at anchor or restricted in manoeuvrability. Without correctly installed and certified lights, vessels risk both accidents and regulatory non-compliance.
Types of Navigation Lights
• Masthead Lights – White forward-facing lights used on powered vessels.
• Sidelights – Red (port) and green (starboard) lights to indicate heading.
• Stern Lights – White lights visible astern.
• All-Round Lights – 360° white lights, typically used as anchor lights or for smaller powered craft.
• Tri-Color Masthead Lights – Popular on sailing vessels under 20m, combining port, starboard, and stern signals into one fixture.
Key Considerations for Navigation Lights
1. Compliance – Lights must meet COLREGs, IMO, and national standards.
2. Visibility – Depending on vessel size, visibility must be 2–3 nautical miles.
3. Technology – LED navigation lights dominate the market due to efficiency, long service life, and shock resistance.
4. Durability – Marine lights should feature high IP waterproofing, UV resistance, and impact-proof housings.
5. Installation – Available in 12V, 24V, and dual-voltage options for both retrofits and new builds.
Navigation Lights by Brand
Lopolight Navigation Lights
Danish manufacturer Lopolight is recognised for its advanced LED navigation lighting systems, widely adopted in offshore racing, superyachts, and commercial shipping. Lopolight navigation lights are precision-machined from anodised aluminium, sealed to IP68, and designed for extreme environments. Integrated electronics ensure constant light output across voltage variations, and each unit is factory-tested and delivered with full COLREGs certification.
Lopolight Navigation Lights
Mantagua Lights
French company Mantagua specialises in compact, energy-efficient LED lighting for sailboats and motorboats. Mantagua navigation lights are lightweight, vibration-resistant, and well-suited for performance sailing where low power consumption is critical. Mantagua also offers combination tri-colour and anchor lights, popular among cruising yachts under 20m.
Navisafe Lights
Navisafe, from Norway, focuses on innovative, portable, and battery-powered navigation lights. Their magnetic and suction-mounted systems are particularly useful for dinghies, RIBs, and tenders that lack fixed electrical installations. Fully COLREGs-compliant, these lights are waterproof, floating, and ideal for backup or emergency use, as well as for small craft operating under oars or outboard motors.
Navisafe Lights
Aqua Signal Navigation Lights
German brand Aqua Signal is one of the most established names in navigation lighting, offering a complete range from small craft lights to heavy-duty commercial vessel systems. Their Series 25, 34, and 55 ranges are widely used on yachts worldwide, featuring robust housings, high-output LEDs, and COLREGs-compliant optics. Aqua Signal remains a trusted standard on both production yachts and custom builds.
FAQs on Navigation Lights
Which navigation lights are required on my boat?
Requirements vary by vessel type and size. For example, powered craft over 12m require masthead, sidelights, and stern lights, while sailing vessels under 20m can use a tri-colour masthead unit.
Are LED navigation lights better than incandescent?
Yes. LED lights from brands such as Lopolight, Mantagua, and Aqua Signal provide superior efficiency, longer lifespan, and resistance to vibration.
Can I install them myself?
Smaller lights, such as Navisafe portable units or Aqua Signal’s compact ranges, are straightforward to install. For masthead or integrated systems (e.g. Lopolight), professional installation is recommended.
How do I maintain them?
Check electrical connections for corrosion, clean lenses, and ensure housings remain sealed. LED systems require very little maintenance beyond routine inspection.
Conclusion on Navigation Lights
Navigation lights are not just a legal requirement but a vital part of onboard safety. Whether you need robust Lopolight aluminium systems for offshore racing yachts, compact Mantagua LED units for performance cruisers, Navisafe portable solutions for tenders and RIBs, or proven Aqua Signal series lights for long-term reliability, our range offers certified solutions for every type of sailor.
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