Review on Enhance Your Boating Experience with Interwebz Boat Bow Navigation LED Lighting Kit - Red and Green by Fred Meeks

It was not until I purchased this light and received a repair notification that I realized these lights did not meet USCG specifications. The advertising in the description of these lights is very misleading. Direct quote from USCG Safety Alert 10-15. The US Coast Guard is concerned about the sale and availability of unlicensed navigation lights for recreational and commercial boats. Buyers of such lighting should be aware that replacement lighting may not be suitable for their application due to manufacturers' failure to meet technical certification requirements. Additionally, advances in marine lighting, such as the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs), rope lighting, underwater lighting, and various other types of decorative lighting, may violate the provisions of the Maritime Vessel Code of Traffic in relation to navigation lights. The requirements for all navigation lights on board a ship are prescribed by Rules 20, 21, 22 and Schedule I of the "Rules of the Road”, which constitute the Convention on International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) or the Inland Waterways Regulations (33 CFR, subpart e). For lights vary by boat type but regardless of light source (e.g., incandescent or LED): Navigation lights for pleasure craft and uninspected commercial boats must conform to American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Standard A-16 with specifications within 33 CFR183 .810 or 46 CFR 25.10-3. Inspected merchant ships must be equipped with navigation lights that meet or exceed underwriting requirements. UL 1104 ers Laboratories standard as specified in 46 CFR 111.75-17 specifications. Some manufacturers produce and sell navigation lights that do not meet the above certification requirements. These bulbs tend to be cheaper, making them an enticing choice for uninformed consumers. Using lamps that do not provide the correct color, intensity, or cut-off angle may result in a violation or an accident. Recreational boaters should ensure that any navigation light they purchase has the following information on the light or its packaging: USCG Approval 33 CFR 183.810 COMPLIANT ABYC A-16 or equivalent TESTED (by an approved laboratory) Light manufacturer name Light visibility in nautical miles Date its light has been type-approved. Identification and specification of the lamp used in the compliance test. Directorate of Inspections and Compliance. LEDs under the railing around the ship. underwater, sideways or just above the waterline. Care must be taken that these lights:  cannot be confused with navigation lights,  do not interfere with the visibility or distinguishing characteristics of approved and properly located navigation lights, and  do not interfere with proper operator observation. Such circumstances may constitute a breach of Rule 20. Rule 20 states that only those lights that are prescribed or do not interfere with those prescribed may be used. Careless installation of additional lighting should be avoided. A violation may exist where the installation of additional lights could be construed as a light required by the rules of another ship. For example, underwater blue LED lights may appear to flash when exposed to waves, giving the appearance of a flashing blue light that is only legal for use by law enforcement vessels under 33 CFR 88.05. Rule 21 contains definitions for mast, sidelights. , rear light, trailing light, all-round light or work light and flashing or special flashing light. Working lights are lights that place the vessel in a special condition (e.g. all red over white over red for a vessel with limited manoeuvrability). minimum range. Annex I of the regulation defines the vertical and horizontal spacing of each required light both in relation to the ship's hull and in relation to other navigation lights. Compliance with the provisions of Appendix I will ensure proper installation of the lantern for its intended purpose. Proper installation of a light is critical to its "US Coast Guard Approval” as required by Schedule I (COLREGs, Paragraph 14 and Internal Regulations, 33 CFR 84.20). The Coast Guard strongly recommends: that do not contain the required certification data, and  Retailers advise their customers to purchase certified navigation lights. This safety warning is for informational purposes only and does not obviate any national or international safety, performance, or material requirements. This alert was developed by the Office of Navigational Systems, Subsidiary and Boating Safety, and Accident Investigation and Analysis at US Coast Guard Headquarters. If you have any questions or concerns, please email cgnav@uscg.mil.